His supporters see him as principled, and he still has powerful allies. But Amash's refusal to go along to get along could mean trouble on the horizon. Already, the Trump administration has threatened to go after the so-called Freedom Caucus — of which Amash is a leader — for bringing down House Speaker Paul Ryan's Obamacare replacement bill. A White House aide suggested directly that Amash face a primary opponent.
Richard Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, didn't mention Amash by name but said there is a growing sense of frustration among business leaders that there hasn’t been more movement on tax and regulatory reform. “I think business people are being patient but they want results.”
Love him or hate him, though, Amash represents a stark divide in the Republican Party — one that refuses to acquiesce to the old rules and all the traditional Republican positions —- that has only grown more problematic as the GOP has taken power across Washington. In libertarian circles, he is talked about as a candidate for higher — even national — office, though he has made no such suggestions himself.