Key Senate Republicans swing behind Trump; doubters remain
WASHINGTON (AP) — Key Senate Republicans voiced optimism Tuesday about Donald Trump's presidential prospects in November, signaling clearly to the GOP rank and file to unite behind the bombastic billionaire and turn their energy toward battling Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Doubt and angst over Trump remained palpable as GOP lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill from a weeklong recess that saw him effectively clinch the presidential nomination.
A third, Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia, deflected questions about whether he would back Trump, saying he's focused only on securing another six-year Senate term.
Ryan defended his stance anew Tuesday, insisting that he was just being honest in saying Trump had more work to do to show he could unify the party after alienating numerous voters including women, Hispanics and many conservatives.
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Trump's leading opponent before he dropped out last week, made clear he was in no hurry to endorse the mogul and reality TV star who defeated him.
Another of Trump's vanquished opponents, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, said at the Hudson Institute: He's the nominee of the Republican Party, or presumptive nominee via the voters.