(Headline USA) Former Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who recently launched a presidential bid, appeared to attract just six supporters at a recent campaign event in Iowa.
Hutchinson has traveled to several battleground states since launching his campaign in April, but there seems to be little, if any, appetite for Hutchinson’s candidacy.
Photographs of an event Hutchinson held in Nevada, Iowa, show a largely empty room.
“Thanks to Governor @AsaHutchinson for visiting Nevada and answering questions from voters today!” Barker wrote on Twitter.
Thanks to Governor @AsaHutchinson for visiting Nevada and answering questions from voters today! #iacaucus pic.twitter.com/QyWKIaxkGv
— Brett Barker (@brettbarker) July 12, 2023
Conservatives were quick to mock Hutchinson, who flaked on a number of important GOP priorities while in office.
“ASA FEVER IS SPREADING!!!” radio host Larry O’Connor quipped.
Another social media user said, “There’s more empty chairs than attendees.”
Hutchinson, however, attempted to write off the poor showing. In a tweet posted after the Iowa event, Hutchinson posted a picture of a larger event in South Carolina and claimed the “enthusiasm was contagious.”
The enthusiasm was contagious last night at the Young Greenville and 4th District Club meeting in South Carolina. Everyone here is ready for change & and I will bring it! pic.twitter.com/N2QSJIEl1e
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) July 7, 2023
A week later, he posted another picture of himself in front of a large crowd at an Education Commission of the States event.
Just finished my term as Chair of Education Commission of the States. As President I will continue to encourage computer science education so that we compete globally in new technologies. And our students will benefit as well …in whatever field they choose. pic.twitter.com/RzjwHSqDNz
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) July 12, 2023
Hutchinson is vying for a spot on the Aug. 23 debate stage. To be eligible, candidates must have 40,000 unique donors and at least 200 donors from 20 different states to qualify and receive 1% in three national qualifying polls. The former governor has only over 5,000 donors, according to the Associated Press. And the RealClearPolitics national polling average for Hutchinson is 0.8%.
The former governor has billed his campaign as a middle-of-the-road option for those dissatisfied with former President Donald Trump’s leadership in the GOP and wary of the Democrat Party.
“I believe that I am the right time for America, the right candidate for our country and its future,” he said in his campaign announcement. “I’m convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America and not simply appeal to our worst instincts.”
