Campaign chief to vulnerables: Stay away from GOP convention

The chairman of the Senate Republican campaign arm is telling vulnerable colleagues in tough races to stay away from the GOP presidential convention this summer.

Sen. Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerOvernight Defense & National Security — A new plan to treat Marines 'like human beings' Republicans press Milley over perceived progressive military agenda Collins casts 8,000 consecutive roll call vote in Senate MORE (R-Miss.), the National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman, warns that a fight between supporters of candidates Donald TrumpDonald TrumpGOP Senate candidate says Fauci is 'mass murderer,' should be jailed rather than 'hero' Rittenhouse Overnight Health Care — Presented by Emergent Biosolutions — Pfizer, US strike COVID-19 pill deal On The Money — House Democrats ready to Build Back Better MORE and Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzCruz, Braun slam Library of Congress for forgoing term 'illegal aliens' to suit 'progressive preference' Senate confirms Biden's ambassador to NATO after Hawley lifts hold Hawley lifts hold on Biden's pick for NATO envoy, teeing up confirmation MORE at a contested convention in Cleveland is the last place vulnerable Republicans need to be.

“If there’s going to be a brouhaha, I’m advising candidates to be present for more unifying events,” Wicker told The Hill.

And he’s far from alone in his opinion.

Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainGOP senators appalled by 'ridiculous' House infighting MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace, Chris Christie battle over Fox News Trump's attacks on McConnell seen as prelude to 2024 White House bid MORE (R-Ariz.) told reporters on Tuesday that he’s skipping the Republican National Convention for the first time in years.

“I have to campaign for reelection, and I have always done that when I’m up,” the 2008 GOP nominee told reporters.

McCain was up for reelection in the Senate in 2004 and 1992, however, and still found time to speak at the GOP convention in those years. He also spoke at the convention in 2012, 2000, 1996, 1988 and 1984.

The senator acknowledged that it’s possible the party’s eventual standard-bearer could drag down GOP candidates down-ballot such as himself.

“That’s always a concern,” said McCain, who faces a potentially tough race this year against Democratic Rep. Ann KirkpatrickAnn KirkpatrickDemocrats brace for flood of retirements after Virginia rout Two House Democrats to retire ahead of challenging midterms Two senior House Democrats to retire MORE. He also has to worry about an Aug. 30 primary.

GOP Sens. Mark KirkMark Steven KirkDuckworth announces reelection bid Brave new world: Why we need a Senate Human Rights Commission  Senate majority battle snags Biden Cabinet hopefuls MORE of Illinois and Kelly AyotteKelly Ann AyotteThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - GOP dealt 2022 blow, stares down Trump-era troubles Sununu exit underscores uncertain GOP path to gain Senate majority Sununu announcement hands Democrats lifeline MORE of New Hampshire are also planning to skip the convention. Both face tough reelection races.

Kirk’s campaign manager, Kevin Artl, told the Chicago Tribune that his boss “has his own re-election to win, so he will be working hard toward that goal, not going to the Republican convention in Ohio.”

A spokeswoman for Ayotte said she won’t be there either.

A fourth vulnerable Republican, Sen. Rob PortmanRobert (Rob) Jones PortmanOvernight Defense & National Security — Presented by Boeing — US mulls Afghan evacuees' future Hillicon Valley — Presented by Ericsson — DOJ unveils new election hacking charges GOP senators appalled by 'ridiculous' House infighting MORE of Ohio, said he isn’t sure he’ll be at the convention — which is in his home state.

Portman said he has planned political events in Cleveland and as of now does not plan to participate in floor activities at the Quicken Loans Arena — though he might pop over if he has the time.

“I’m going to have my own thing. We’re bringing volunteers from around the state,” he said. “We’re going to have an event in what’s called Tri-C, which is a community college. It’s near the convention center but outside the perimeter so people can get there.”

He will also help build a Habitat for Humanity house in Cleveland.

Portman’s campaign emphasized it was planning these alternative events long before it was known the presidential race would boil down to Trump and Cruz.

The caution shown by all of the GOP candidates underlines the unusual nature of this year’s Republican convention.

Republicans haven’t held a contested convention since 1976, when President Gerald Ford battled Ronald Reagan for the nomination. Since then, the convention has generally been a piece of theater designed to bolster the party’s nominee.

This year, there are worries of riots or violence if Trump supporters believe the nomination is being unfairly wrested from their favored candidate.

The business mogul, who has assailed the delegate selection process as “corrupt and crooked,” could still win the 1,237 delegates he needs to clinch the nod before Cleveland. If he doesn’t, he’ll head to Ohio with more delegates than Cruz or John Kasich but no guarantee he’ll leave with the crown.

Sen. Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranDemocrats face squeeze on Biden's spending bill Senators seek to permanently expand telehealth eligibility Senate GOP signals they'll help bail out Biden's Fed chair MORE (R-Kan.), who served as NRSC chairman in the last Congress, said Cleveland could be a “bruising convention.”

“That convention has the capability of people going home with a poor taste in their mouths,” he said. “We may have a nominee before the convention, I don’t know. But in the absence of that happening, tough decisions will have to be made.”

Moran, whose Kansas seat is considered safe Republican territory but was threatened last month with a possible primary challenger, is also staying away from Cleveland.

Sen. Roy BluntRoy Dean BluntFormer DC Guard commander calls for retraction of Pentagon watchdogs's Jan. 6 report Republican Missouri Senate candidate: Teen incest victims should be denied abortions Senate GOP lines up behind Trump-backed candidates MORE (R-Mo.), who has a tougher-than-expected reelection bid against Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, says he’s undecided.

“I don’t have any idea. I usually don’t go for very long if I go. I am not a devoted attender of the conventions,” he said, noting he has a primary election in early August. “There’s going to be a lot going on.”

Two vulnerable Republicans running in states that President Obama carried in 2008 and 2012, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Ron JohnsonRonald (Ron) Harold JohnsonHillicon Valley — Immigrants being put in surveillance programs YouTube temporarily suspends Ron Johnson's channel over COVID-19 misinformation GOP sees inflation as winning issue MORE of Wisconsin, do plan to attend the convention. Both are betting they’ll need to energize their party’s base to win in November.

“Those are my plans, but things could change,” said Johnson.

“I think so,” Toomey said when asked whether he would be present.

“Everyone will make their own decision,” he added when told of Wicker’s advice.

Sen. Dan CoatsDaniel (Dan) Ray CoatsAn independent commission should review our National Defense Strategy Overnight Hillicon Valley — Scrutiny over Instagram's impact on teens Former national security officials warn antitrust bills could help China in tech race MORE (R-Ind.), who is retiring at the end of the year, said his colleagues are better off staying at home.

“You’re better off being in your own state, running your own race and not being caught up in all the machinations that may take place at the convention,” he said.

“This one is potentially toxic,” he said. “You don’t see too many candidates endorsing anybody for that very reason. You endorse Trump and the Cruz people are mad, you endorse Cruz and the Trump people are mad.”