Top Republicans Consider Skipping GOP National Convention

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]