You know that Sally Yates was deprived her hearing on Tuesday before the House Intelligence Committee, perhaps under duress from the Donald Trump administration. But during a quick tour of the state Capitol on Tuesday night, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said he hasn't given up on the thought that Yates could make a Democratic run for governor next year.
"I think Sally Yates is special. I think there's a great deal of affection for her in America right now, and I think she has all of the credentials and qualifications to be an outstanding leader," said Reed. "I haven't spoken to her about it at all, but I am very hopeful that she will give the race very strong consideration."
Yates has given state and national Democratic leaders no indication she'll consider a bid for public office.
Still, the mayor is one of a gaggle of Georgia politicos encouraging the former acting U.S. attorney general to make the run. (Suffice it to say that Reed and House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, who is expected to enter the race, are not close.)
Read more: Fired for defying Trump: Who is Sally Quillian Yates?
In the meantime, Democratic state Rep. Stacey Evans of Smyrna has told friends that she might join the gubernatorial race. Her decision may hinge on whether former state Sen. Jason Carter, the party's 2014 nominee for governor, decides to run.
Reed, who is vacating his City Hall office in January, has repeatedly ruled out a 2018 statewide run.
Democratic operatives consider Reed a top contender to challenge U.S. Sen. David Perdue in 2020 or run for governor in 2022 if a Republican wins next year's election. But much will also depend on what other top Georgia Democrats - Abrams, Evans, Yates and Carter - decide over the coming years.
Insider's note: This post was ripped and expanding from the Morning Jolt.
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