Spokespeople for Donald Trump reportedly reject any notion of a quid pro quo in place for the former president’s endorsement at this weekend’s Michigan Republican Party convention.
Speculation swirled that the former president would support gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson if conventioneers endorsed Trump favorite Matt DePerno for attorney general. Both candidates use the same political consultant.
But the Detroit News reports Trump’s communications director calls any suggestion of brokering an exchange of endorsements, quote, “absurd and absolutely not true.”
The candidates Trump supported did win the party’s endorsement.
The GOP officially chooses candidates at a convention in August, though voters select those making a bid for Congress, the state legislature and the Governor’s office in a party primary.
Several GOP gubernatorial hopefuls sought Trump’s backing, including former Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
The eventual Republican nominee faces Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who repeatedly clashed with Trump during the initial months of the pandemic.