New York Republican billionaire Donald Trump’s lack of endorsements from elected leaders has not stopped him from claiming his nearest competition, Texas Sen. [crscore]Ted Cruz[/crscore] is un-liked by his colleagues in the Senate.
Trump reiterated his claim to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos last Sunday. “That’s why nobody likes him,” Trump said, saying that no members of the Senate have endorsed Cruz for the Republican presidential nomination.
Cruz does have 19 endorsements from House Republicans, while Trump does not have any endorsements from members of Congress or governors. Florida Sen. [crscore]Marco Rubio[/crscore] and Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush top the list respectively with endorsements from senators and House members.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who follows Bush, has endorsements from six House members and two governors.
When asked by Stephanopoulos about his lack of congressional endorsements, Trump responded that senators will endorse him “very soon.” He added that he has been endorsed by Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr., former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Sheriff Joe Arpaio from Arizona.
Up to 20 senators who have not endorsed anyone told Politico that the Texas Republican has not approached them to ask for an endorsement.
Several Republican senators denied that they dislike Cruz.
“I once again don’t know what Donald Trump is talking about,” Sen. [crscore]Cory Gardner[/crscore], Colorado Republican, a Rubio supporter, told The Washington Times.
“It’s a tough business,” Alabama Sen. [crscore]Jeff Sessions[/crscore] told The Times. “But it is not accurate because I like Ted Cruz.”