Columbus, Ohio (AP)-Dozens of Republican leaders in Ohio are trying at the last minute to persuade former President Donald Trump not to support the author of “Hillbilly Elegy.” JD Vance This year Future core crowded For an open seat in the Senate.
But the letter is a sign of concern to some Republicans Which candidate Trump might choose Before the May 3 primary state. Some of Vance Trump’s ardent supporters have received special attention for his criticisms of the former president in the past, something Republicans emphasized in the letter.
In the paragraphs they refer to Trump’s past comments, including references to potential support for Hillary Clinton and comparisons to the former president’s “other opioids”.
“We know that there are many qualified candidates in this career who have supported the American agenda for many years and have worn the Trump cloak for many years, again except JD Vance,” they wrote. “When we worked hard in Ohio to support you and America made us great again, JD Vance was actively working against your candidacy.”
The letter, signed by GOP party leaders, including county presidents, tells the former president that “applause that violates your support and heritage in Ohio only serves to confuse or anger voters” and it can even suffocate. republican activism. Fall.
Representatives of Trump and Vance, who said they regretted previous comments, did not respond to a request for comment.
David Johnson, chairman of the Columbiana District Republican Party, which helped compile and distribute the letter, said the effort was accompanied by a series of phone calls between party presidents on Thursday.
Johnson, who supported former Ohio Republican Party President Jane Timken in the Senate, said the letter has now been signed by 40-50 people, including supporters of Timken, former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel., Cleveland investment banker. that Mike S. Gibbons and St. . Dolan. Two other candidates have completed seven primaries and will replace U.S. Republican Senator Rob Portman.
“We all think it’s not a smart thing to win this seat. This is the goal, “he said.
Vance’s supporters even called on Trump to follow him.
“President Trump will make a fantastic choice with the approval of JD Vance,” said Marshall Pitchford, president of Ohio Right to Life. “JD is a 100% advocate for life without exceptions. He will continue to support President Trump’s victories in the United States Senate.
Source: Huffpost