Republicans began to coalesce around nominee Thomas Smith, whose defunct campaign shocked Trump-back Navy veteran Amir Hassan in Tuesday’s primary. The result is a black mark for national Republicans, who had hoped Hassan’s background as a veteran and law enforcement official could keep the red-trending seat competitive. AdvertisementWith 99% of the votes counted, Smith brought in 50.4% of the vote, compared to Hassan’s 33.2% and Al Lemmo’s 16.4%. Michigan’s 8th District is labeled “lean Democrat” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, despite Trump winning the district by 2 points. HERE ARE THE REPUBLICANS WHO COULD REPLACE CHUCK EDWARDS ON THE BALLOT IN NORTH CAROLINA“I fell short last night.