The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is asking President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE to endorse Rep. Marthy McSally (R), who is in a GOP primary fight for Senate in Arizona, according to Politico.
In a recent phone call, Sen. Cory GardnerCory Scott GardnerSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Interior faces legal scrutiny for keeping controversial acting leaders in office | White House faces suit on order lifting endangered species protections | Lawmakers seek investigation of Park Police after clearing of protesters The Hill’s Campaign Report: Republicans go on attack over calls to ‘defund the police’ MORE (Colo.), the chairman of the NRSC, asked Trump to make the endorsement. But the report says Trump did not commit.
McSally is running in the Aug. 28 GOP primary to replace retiring Sen. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeGOP lawmakers stick to Trump amid new criticism Kelly holds double-digit lead over McSally in Arizona: poll Trump asserts his power over Republicans MORE (R). McSally is seen as the favorite in the primary and the preferred candidate of establishment Republicans, but she is running against two conservative firebrands: former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former state Sen. Kelli Ward.
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Arpaio has been a strong supporter of Trump, and last year Trump pardoned the former sheriff after he was convicted of criminal contempt of court.
The sheriff’s office under Arpaio was found to have racially profiled Hispanics to check their immigration status. Arpaio was found in contempt after the sheriff’s office continued those practices despite a judge’s order.
Trump has commended Ward’s candidacy in the past, tweeting last year, “Great to see that Dr. Kelli Ward is running against Flake Jeff Flake, who is WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in Senate. He’s toxic!”
Ward responded to the Politico story on Twitter Friday, saying “Amnesty @SenCoryGardner begging for @realDonaldTrump to endorse Martha McSallyMartha Elizabeth McSallyGOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police No evidence of unauthorized data transfers by top Chinese drone manufacturer: study Senate Democratic campaign arm launches online hub ahead of November MORE’s failing campaign won’t work. President Trump knows Arizona doesn’t want or need another weak, open borders #NeverTrump Senator like @JeffFlake or @SenJohnMcCain. #VoteWard #AZSEN.”
Ward and Arpaio have attacked McSally, claiming that she is not a strong supporter of Trump’s agenda.
Many establishment Republicans worry that a Trump endorsement for one of the other candidates could tilt the race and leave the GOP with a tougher general election fight.
Trump last week endorsed immigration hard-liner Kris Kobach for governor of Kansas. Kobach, Kansas’s secretary of state, was in a tightly contested primary, and some Republicans advised Trump against endorsing him, worrying that Dems could take the governor’s race in November. Kobach has a slight lead over incumbent Gov. Jeff Colyer (R) in the vote-count, which could head to a potential recount.
Trump has jumped into other races this election cycle, endorsing candidates and even traveling to their districts to hold rallies.
The president told Fox News host Sean Hannity earlier this year that he would campaign “six or seven days a week” closer to the midterms. He recently predicted a “giant RED WAVE” for Republican candidates.
McSally leads her opponents in primary polls, with the winner likely to face Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D) in the general.
“It’s pretty obvious which of our candidates have a best chance of winning,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote GOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases No, ‘blue states’ do not bail out ‘red states’ MORE (R-Ky.) told Politico in May.
The White House and the NRSC did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Hill.
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