Donald Trump’s support for Steve Hilton in the race for California governor might not be enough to get the state’s Republican Party to officially back him at this weekend’s San Diego convention — which could be a big problem and show how limited his influence is with the party’s local members.
A report from Politico’s Playbook says Trump’s endorsement is running into a lot of resistance.
Before Trump came out in support, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco was seen as the top choice for getting the 60 percent needed for an official endorsement.
Jon Fleischman, the former executive director of the party, told Politico, “Going into the convention, I thought Bianco was really close, but I wasn’t sure if he’d make it over the hurdle.
Now, I think it’s going to be harder for him because the president’s support does matter.”
However, Trump’s endorsement might not be enough to win, or the party might reject both candidates.
Most of the smart money among several strategists and delegates suggests California Republicans will follow the pattern of California Democrats: not endorse anyone in the primary, which Politico calls “a major blow to Trump.”
This outcome would be a strong criticism of the president’s influence with the Republican grassroots, especially with his unpopular Iran war and the GOP’s difficult position nationally.
Fleischman said Trump’s endorsement is important, but “not the final word, because both candidates have been working in the state for over a year, speaking to Republican groups, meeting with lawmakers, and getting support from others.”
The real test of Trump’s power is whether Hilton can keep his lead in the primary thanks to Trump’s support, given the president’s usual impact on GOP voters.
But if Bianco wins the endorsement or stops Hilton from reaching 60 percent, it would be a big sign that Trump’s influence with the party’s local members is not as strong as it seems.
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