(CNSNews.com) - A fourth Republican has entered the 2024 presidential race. And this one says Donald Trump should drop out of the race.
"I have made a decision," former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday:
"And my decision is, I'm going to run for president of the United States. While the formal announcement will be later in April, Bentonville, I wanted to make clear that to you, Jonathan, I am going to be going to be running.
"And the reason -- as I've traveled the country for six months, I hear people talk about the leadership of our country, and I'm convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America and not simply appeal to our worst instincts.
"That inspires me, when I see everyday Americans just saying, give us good leadership, give us common sense, consistent conservatism, and optimism about our great country. And that inspires me. And I believe I can be that kind of leader for the people of America."
Hutchinson said it's a "sad day for America" when a former president -- who is running to be the next president -- is indicted.
He called it a "great distraction."
"But, at the same time, we can't set aside what our Constitution requires, which is electing a new leader for our country, just because we have this side controversy and criminal charges that are pending.
"And the American people are going to have to separate what the ideas are for our future, going to talk about border security and the economy. We have to talk about those.
"We have to talk about the leadership of America in the world whenever you have Russia and China taking advantage of any weakness that America shows. So, we can't be sidetracked for a year and a half."
Hutchinson said he believes that Trump should drop out of the race, now that he's been indicted:
"First of all, the office is more important than any individual person. And so, for the sake of the office of the presidency, I do think that's too much of a side show and distraction, and he needs to be able to concentrate on his due process, and there is a presumption of innocence.
"But the second reason is, throughout my eight years as governor, and as a political leader, I've always said that people don't have to step aside from public office if they're under investigation. But if it reaches the point of criminal charges that have to be answered, the office is always more important than a person."
Hutchinson noted that Trump faces three different investigations:
"One is the hush money out of New York. Secondly it is the request and pressure for votes out of Georgia. And the third one, of course, is the mishandling of classified documents in Mar-a-Lago.
"Those are three very serious investigations. You might say one of them doesn't showcase anything. But when you look at all three of them combined, it should give Americans pause.
"When you ask about the evangelical community, I'm part of that. And I believe that the evangelical community understands that we need to have a leader that can distance themselves from some of the bad instincts that drive Mr. Trump. And I hope that we can do that in the future."
Hutchinson described himself as "an alternative" to Trump.
"I want to be able to speak to the Trump voters, I want to be able to speak to all the party and say, this is the leadership that I want to provide, and I think that we need to have border security.
"I think we need to have a strong America. I think we need to spend less at the federal level. These are the values that I represent."
Host Jon Karl noted that Hutchinson is a former prosecutor, a former congressman, a former director of the Drug Enforcement Administration, in addition to being a former governor: "But most people outside of Arkansas don't know who you are. How do you break through?" he asked Hutchinson:
"Well, a lot of hard work and good messaging. But I've spent some time in Iowa, and I love the response that I get there. And so, it's still about retail politics in many of these states," Hutchinson said.
"And also, this is one of the most unpredictable political environments that I've seen in my lifetime. And so, my message of experience, of consistent conservatism, of hope for our future and solving problems that face Americans, I think that that resonates.
"And whenever I make the final announcement, I'll be everywhere. And I think it's a plan that can work in this environment."
In addition to Trump and Hutchinson, two other Republicans have announced presidential runs: Former South Carolina Gov. and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley; and "anti-woke" entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Other Republicans believed to be mulling presidential runs are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.