Gov. Susana Martinez is still quiet on if she will support presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, but she will attend the convention dedicated to him this summer.
Martinez said, as the head of the Republican Governor’s Association, she would attend this year’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland. She was answering a question from an Associated Press reporter on Monday.
The video is available at the bottom of this post.
“It is my responsibility to also be part of the Republican convention,” she said.
The reason that an increasing number of Republicans are avoiding what is supposed to be a coronation and celebration can be summed up in two words: Donald Trump.
Trump will officially become the Republican nominee for president at the convention this July, barring something unprecedented in modern American politics. This has divided many conservatives and Republicans.
Martinez has declined to endorse Trump since he essentially clinched the nomination last week.
Martinez said she thinks “Republicans will come together and make sure to make the right choices.”
Neither former President Bush (George H.W. or his son George W.) will attend the convention. Neither will 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney. None have endorsed Trump, and are not expected to do so.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee who is facing a tough reelection fight in Arizona this year, also will not attend. He has announced he will, however, support Trump.
Bob Dole, the 1996 Republican nominee, will attend and earlier this year endorsed Trump. Dole will be the only past Republican nominee to attend.
Some of Martinez’s fellow governor’s also won’t attend the convention in August.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence announced he would support Trump, but his support doesn’t extend to flying to Cleveland.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is in a traditionally Democratic state, will not attend the convention or endorse Trump.
Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts will not only skip the convention, but said he would not vote for Trump. Massachusetts is one of the most Democratic-friendly states in the country.
Still, it’s U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska who has been the most outspoken Republican about his opposition to Trump. Some have called for Sasse to mount a third party campaign in protest of Trump.
Martinez attended the 2012 convention and was given a speaking spot.
#NM @Gov_Martinez tells @AP she will attend @GOP national convention unlike some GOP officials who may skip #nmpol pic.twitter.com/w4FL7H02zU
— Russell Contreras (@RussContreras) May 9, 2016
