Advertisement NH Primary Source: Is Corey Lewandowski now reconsidering run for Senate? Yes and no Former Trump campaign manager sends mixed message in separate NH interviews Share Shares Copy Link Copy

(New Hampshire Primary Source is a regular feature of WMUR.com on Thursday mornings, with frequent updates throughout the week.)>> Download the FREE WMUR appRECONSIDERING RUN? Corey Lewandowski continues to keep the Republican U.S. Senate primary race in a state of flux.Early Tuesday, the former Donald Trump campaign manager and Windham resident told a local radio talk show host “it’s fair” to say he is rethinking his serious consideration of jumping into what is currently a three-person GOP primary for the right to take on Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in November 2020.But shortly after that interview on “New Hampshire Today with Jack Heath,” Lewandowski told WMUR: “I am not reconsidering anything. My decision matrix is the same as it always has been.”He said he feels no pressure to make a quick decision.At issue is the impeachment inquiry into Trump and the frenetic pace of partisan charges and counter-charges emanating from Washington.Lewandowski is among Trump’s most loyal supporter and is known to be a close confidante of the chief executive. There has been speculation since the impeachment inquiry was announced by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sept. 24 that Lewandowski might forego a Senate run and work to help the president, perhaps by leading an impeachment defense team or by pushing back on the Democrats’ charges in national media interviews and in other venues.Some national media outlets reported that Lewandowski could even work in the White House to organize such a team.But Lewandowski strongly denied he’s considering such a move both last week and on Tuesday, when he told WMUR: “I’m not going to go into the White House.”Could he work on Trump’s behalf during impeachment proceedings outside of the White House?“That’s a hypothetical that I don’t’ want to talk about,” Lewandowski said.In the WGIR-AM radio interview, Heath asked Lewandowski if he was “rethinking your run” because of the impeachment inquiry.Lewandowski said, “I’ve always said that making sure this president is reelected has been my first priority, because, while I think if I run for the U.S. Senate I’m going to win, this country needs a fighter in Donald Trump.“And what I have said I will do and what I have done for the last five years is anything I can do to make him be successful. And if part of that success entails me continuing to have the time and the resources to be on the outside on television reminding the American people of how much of a hoax this is, it’s going to be a major consideration.”Heath asked: “It sounds like you are rethinking because you had pretty much been on the brink of looking like you might jump in. Is it fair to say you are giving a pause or are rethinking a run for the Senate if the president needs your help nationally to speak on behalf? Is that fair?”Lewandowski replied: “It’s fair, Jack, and two big things. I’ve always said I wanted to see how much money the other Republicans in this race have raised. There was a deadline. They should be filing their reports immediately.“But the second thing. As much as I think I would be a great fighter for the people of New Hampshire, and one U.S. Senator can make a difference, it is my priority to make sure the president of the United States is reelected. That’s a top priority.”Later, though, Lewandowski told WMUR: “My decision to get into the US Senate race will be based on a number of factors. First my family. That has never wavered. “Two, the amount of money the announced candidates have raised and have in the bank at the end of the third quarter.” Lewandowski told WMUR two weeks ago that if the announced candidates -- Donald Bolduc, William O’Brien and Corky Messner -- do not raise at least $2 million by the end of the third quarter, which was Monday, he would be “much more inclined” to get into the race.None of the candidates have yet announced their third quarter fundraising.Lewandowski said, “Three, where I can be the most helpful to the president, because while I believe that one United States senator is important, having a president able to take the country in a specific direction for the next four years is more important.“The only thing that has changed is the Democrats ability to attack this president, and as I have said, I have no interest in going into the White House to work in come capacity. And they are not setting up a war room in the White House."“I still think that it has to do with the financial numbers that will come out from the announced Republican candidates. I have the strongest desire to run for the U.S. Senate because I’m the only one who can beat Jeanne Shaheen,” Lewandowski said.He then added: "I’m not reconsidering anything. My decision matrix is the same as it has been. I’m looking at the candidates and assessing their fundraising numbers and talking with my family and seeing where I can be in the best position to provide help for the people of New Hampshire and for this president.”Lewandowski indicated a decision may not come in the near future.“The other luxury is that I’m the only candidate with a national profile and I know the primary is 11 months away” – in September 2020.“I don’t feel the pressure to make a decision right away.”