On the 24th of October 2017 Republican Senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, announced he would not run for re-election in 2018, including a cutting criticism of the Trump administration. Anti-Republican-establishment agitator, Steve Bannon, had recently singled Jeff Flake out for special attention in his open season on every Republican incumbent up for re-election except Ted Cruz. Flake's announcement was met with raucous celebration from Trump supporters. The news caused Jeff Flake to be the day's hot trend on Twitter, which was awash with proclamations that "the swamp is being drained", a reference to Trump's campaign rhetoric that referred to Washington, D.C. as a corrupt swamp in need of draining. Ironically the literal meaning of Senator Flake's name is God's peace at the lane and descendant of one who lived at the swamp.

Jeffry - God's peace 1

Lane - at the lane 2

Flake - descendant of one who lived at a swamp3

The Flake surname was first adopted by a family that lived by a swamp. The tradition of living in swampy terrain appears to be a generational affair with the family first residing in the swamplands of Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The family left the swamp when it moved to land near Smith's Creek, close to Lilesville in Anson County, North Carolina. Jeff's paternal great-great-grandparents moved to Utah as Mormon pioneers. His great-grandfather, William Jordan Flake, was an influential Mormon and polygamist who gave his name to the town Snowflake, Arizona, where the family still lives.

Flake's decision to not seek re-election has been cast as being more inspired by the unlikelihood of his victory. A recent poll found that he trailed way behind the Bannon-backed candidate, Kelli Ward and his Democratic challenger. The poor showing is fueled by his unpopularity with Trump supporters and conservatives. The Conservative Review has given Mr. Flake an F score for conservative credentials and labeled him a "sell out". While the volley of attacks between Trump (his supporters) and Flake have gone both ways; in spite of his favourable alignments to Trump positions according to FiveThirtyEight.

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