Since the Senate’s not in session and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s chamber is right on target to work the fewest number of days in 60 years, the only thing left for GOP senators to do is plan their summer vacations. The main question: To convention or not to convention in July? (Translation: Will I lose my seat if I’m caught on camera with Trump?)
McConnell will likely go after being so “increasingly optimistic” just a couple weeks ago about getting to a second ballot in Cleveland (i.e. defeating Trump’s nomination). The comment may seem shortsighted now but, to be fair, if there’s anyone who knows how to block a nomination, it’s Mitch.
Ohio’s Rob Portman was still hanging on to John Kasich’s candidacy for dear life Wednesday before Kasich officially quit. In the past, Portman has said he would support the nominee “unless something crazy happens.” Is Trump crazy enough for ya? No word yet on Portman’s travel plans.
Kelly Ayotte? It’s anyone’s guess—she’s committed to supporting the nominee but hasn’t yet uttered the word “endorse” and “Trump” in the same sentence.
Pennsylvania’s Pat Toomey, Missouri’s Roy Blunt, Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson, and Illinois’ Mark Kirk are all resigned to supporting the nominee, so perhaps a “yes” on Cleveland.
But North Carolina’s Richard Burr is enthusiastically in!
As for that prediction, Burr also maintained last month that the state’s new anti-LGBT HB2 law wouldn’t have a negative economic impact on North Carolina.
These are not the people we want running the Senate—please donate $3 to turn the Senate blue. The future of the Supreme Court depends on it.