Senate Democrats say Mark Kelly would be a 'superb' VP pick. But there's some anxiety.
Numerous Democratic senators are heaping praise on Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.
WASHINGTON — Numerous Democratic senators are heaping praise on Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris — but the prospect of his seat’s being vacated is stoking some anxiety.
“He’d be superb,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the party’s vice presidential nominee in 2016.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Kelly has “enormous depth and wisdom,” as well as “real common sense” and an ability to grasp “very complex” issues quickly.
But some in the party are nervous about the idea of his leaving the Senate, fearing a Republican would win a special election in Arizona to finish his current term, which expires in January 2029. It's a factor some Democrats say should be weighed because the party has such a small majority and risks losing control of the chamber.
“Kelly has got a lot of appeal as a candidate, but unproven as a national campaigner. And yes, he has a valuable seat,” said a Democratic official who has worked with Harris in the past.
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