D.C. Memo: A Schwarze schism in the GOP

WASHINGTON – A rift over the best candidate to run for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s seat involving the national Republican Party and far-right political activist Laura Loomer was on display this week at Farmfest.

Adam Schwarze, a former Navy Seal, and Navy vet Tom Weiler, who are both running to replace Smith, were both advised by Farmfest organizers that they did not have sufficient support in recent public opinion polls to attend Wednesday’s U.S. Senate candidate forum.

So, on the GOP side only former sportscaster Michele Tafoya and former NBA player Royce White were on the dais, facing off against each other and the two Democrats in the race, Rep. Angie Craig, D-2^nd District, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

The candidates will run in Tuesday’s party primary elections.  

Schwarze, the Republican Party’s endorsed candidate, has always been a thorn in the national GOP’s side. The Republican National Senatorial Committee (NR...