Yes, America, Asa Hutchinson is still running for president.
Not only is the former Arkansas governor still in the race, he told The Post this week that he has no plans on dropping out anytime soon — despite admitting his campaign is a “paycheck to paycheck” prospect.
“We certainly don’t have the megadonors behind our campaign and we’re not self-funded like some candidates, so we’re living like many Americans — from paycheck to paycheck,” said the 73-year-old, who ended last quarter with just $325,287 cash on hand, according to federal records.
Hutchinson has rarely been seen or heard from since he failed to qualify for the second primary debate in September. In the RealClearPolitics polling average, he’s drawing just 0.8% support nationally.
He has focused his campaign on Iowa (RCP average: 0.7%) and New Hampshire (RCP average 0.5%) and hopes to remain in the race at least through Super Tuesday on March 5.
“We have a long view of the campaign. I think [Tuesday] demonstrated that, with the unpredictability of what’s going to happen over the course of the next year with Donald Trump’s candidacy,” said Hutchinson, referring to the Colorado Supreme Court’s much-maligned ruling barring the former president from the primary ballot.
Of the other two early states, Hutchinson said he decided not to focus on South Carolina, where GOP rival Nikki Haley is the “favorite daughter.” As for Nevada, the former governor said the Silver State’s bizarre dual primary-caucus setup meant a Trump win there was “precooked.”
In an abnormal political time, Hutchinson believes his appeal is as a normal politician. He’s even planning “Asa’s Normal Tour” to start Jan. 2.
The former governor also wants to be on TV more in the early states, and hopes to tap his donors to make it possible.
“We’re doing a significant amount of online marketing,” said Hutchinson, adding that he’s making personal phone calls to raise money.
Hutchinson has repeatedly argued that consolidating the GOP field further would only bolster support for the former president, since Trump would have to focus on fewer opponents.
After former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum dropped out of the race, “you saw Trump’s numbers go up,” he told The Post.
What’s more, Hutchinson says, his “depth of experience” sets him apart from the rest of the 2024 field, along with his “new ideas” to strengthen America.
“You look at the fentanyl crisis,” he said. “I’m the only candidate that can say I’ve led the DEA and I’ve had to address those kind of drug crisis in America.”