Sen. Marsha Blackburn to deliver primetime speech at RNC
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Sen. Marsha Blackburn in February. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn will have a leading role at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week with a primetime speaking slot.
- Blackburn is scheduled to speak Monday evening. A spokesperson for Blackburn confirmed to Axios on Sunday that those plans haven't changed in light of the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
Why it matters: Blackburn's clout within the Republican Party is on full display. She is fresh off serving as chairperson for the Republican National Committee's official party platform, which was released last week.
- Prior to her evening appearance, Blackburn will present the national platform in a Monday afternoon speech.
- Blackburn has been discussed as a possible running mate for former President Trump, though the focus has seemingly shifted to other contenders in recent weeks.
What he's saying: In a July 8 post on Truth Social, Trump thanked Blackburn's work developing the GOP platform. He called the Republican platform "forward-looking."
- The platform received some criticism from Republicans for not including a national abortion ban.
- Trump, who arrived Sunday in Milwaukee for the RNC, is expected to announce his running mate as soon as Monday.
What we're watching: Blackburn has been vocal in her support for Trump in the wake of the assassination attempt, criticizing the media's coverage of the event and criticizing President Biden's rhetoric.
- "Just days ago, Biden said 'It's time to put Trump in a bullseye.' Today, there was an assassination attempt against President Trump," she said on X Saturday.
While Blackburn takes a leading role at the RNC, she's engaged in a re-election battle. Her most likely Democratic opponent in November will be state Rep. Gloria Johnson or activist Marquita Bradshaw.
- Blackburn's campaign tells Axios she raised $3.9 million between her campaign account and the Blackburn Tennessee Victory Fund for the fundraising period ending June 30.
- Her campaign has $9.2 million cash on hand for the campaign's stretch run.