Donald Trump’s endorsement of talk-show host Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania’s Republican Senate primary has deepened GOP angst over whether the former president’s picks can win a statewide general election.
Republicans aiming for a rout come November are anxious that Trump is backing candidates who appeal only to party faithful. The fear is that in a general election, when the candidates must compete for moderates and independent voters, a seal of approval by Trump will be a negative.
Trump’s surprise backing of “Dr. Oz” over former Bridgewater Associates Chief Executive Officer David McCormick was met with dismay by party grandees and strategists. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was clearly dismayed in what is becoming a test of the billionaire mogul’s enduring hold on the party.
