BELLY FLOP

As candidates line up to challenge former Republican Congressman Justin Amash (I-Grand Rapids) for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, some political analysts believe the incumbent’s exit from the GOP could lead to a possible flip of the district. Considered a solid Republican district until Amash left the party, the district is now considered “leaning Republican” by Roll Call, as Amash’s bid as an Independent could take enough votes from Republican candidates to allow it to flip to a Democrat. Even taking 20 percent of Republican votes could make for a close race in a district that has elected a Republican for the past 14 terms. Add in the fact that President Donald Trump received just 52 percent of the vote in the district in 2016, and some strategists believe Amash’s flip could lead to a flop for the GOP in 2020.