Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's frequent official trips to his home state of Kansas have fueled speculation that he may resign and run for the US Senate. But some political observers say Pompeo's role in blocking US military aid to Ukraine and the President's impeachment process could have an impact on his political outlook.
Pompeo has made three official visits to his home state of Kansas this year.
His visits have attracted a lot of media attention, including Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch, who jokingly introduced Pompeo last week in New York as the man of many titles.
"Representative Pompeo, Director Pompeo, Secretary Pompeo, Senator Pompeo...President Pompeo."
During the last visit, Pompeo was asked by a reporter if the process of investigating the president has affected his political ambitions.
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"There are no changes. I believe I have answered this question hundreds of times. My mission starts every morning when I wake up, it's very clear. Our job at the State Department is to keep the American people safe, to implement American diplomacy and to make sure that American markets are open for Kansas products around the world," he said, VOA reports.
Pompeo has repeatedly reiterated that he will serve as Secretary of State for as long as President Trump wishes. But experts say that at least he will consider running for the Senate. Burdette Loomis works at the University of Kansas.
"He will argue that this is not preventing him from performing his duties as Secretary of State. But it's a strange dilemma when we have a Secretary of State who seems to be studying the field for a possible run for the Senate," Loomis said.
The investigation into the blocking of US military aid by President Trump's administration could have a negative impact on Pompeo's prospects, Professor Burdette Loomis tells VOA.
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"During the last weeks and months, Mr. Pompeo's luster has fallen. It is not clear what his role was in Ukraine. Of course, from day to day, the lack of morale in the State Department is becoming more visible."
While his role in the Ukraine investigation is being closely watched, Pompeo told local media that people in Kansas are not focused on what he called the "noise" in Washington.
