What is he planning to do then, if he knows he's blowing his chances for the future by his tactics now? He must have some sort of strategy, he is still young and not wealthy enough to retire. Could it be he really believes he can win?
I don't know, it doesn't really make sense. Obviously, he is alienating the vast majority of the pros in the party - the convention proved that, plus the fact that the congressional delegation has pretty much turned its back on him.
He may just be content being a state senator and figure this race raises his profile statewide and gives him more influence in the senate. Or he may be thinking of forming a third party. But his future in the Republican party - he is beating that to death with a sharp stick.