Several GOP lawmakers — including many who are seeking re-election — are planning to skip the Republican National Convention in a move possibly meant to distance themselves from the eventual presidential nominee and the chaos plaguing the party.
Many high-profile Republicans, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, told CNN that they do not intend to attend the convention in Cleveland this summer. The decision comes after Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump warned of riots breaking out if he’s denied the nomination and amid fears that being tied too closely to the candidates could harm re-election chances.
Some legislators have chosen to campaign in their own districts than attend the convention, CNN reports. “I’m more valuable outside of Cleveland than inside of Cleveland,” Sen. Richard Burr, who is up for re-election in North Carolina and is considering skipping out on the convention, told the news outlet.
[CNN]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com