The former governor of Arkansas. Asa Hutchinson (R) said Sunday that he believes former President Trump wants to quickly conclude the nomination process because he sees certain warning signs that could threaten his path to the nomination.
In an interview with MSNBC Jonathan CapehartHutchinson cited as potential threats the multiple court cases against him, the fines and financial fees he must pay, and the nearly 40 percent of South Carolina Republican voters who voted for Haley instead of Trump.
“I think what Donald Trump is trying to do is close this nomination very quickly because he knows that the storm clouds are gathering over him with the multiple court cases, with the financial judgments against him and with the 40 percent of the Republican base saying we want an alternative,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson, who suspended his own presidential campaign last month and endorsed Haley, pointed to the party convention as an opportunity to emerge with a different candidate.
Asked if he would support Trump if Haley dropped out of the race, Hutchinson said, “Well, I’m not going to support a convicted felon.”
“And of course that remains to be seen. So let’s see who comes out of the Republican convention. It’s not done until it’s done,” Hutchinson responded, later adding, “Let’s wait and see who comes out of the convention. “I’m not going to support a convicted felon.”
Hutchinson did not say whether he would support Trump as the final candidate if the former president is not ultimately convicted in any of the four criminal charges he faces: two at the federal level and two at the state level.
Hutchinson said that decision is difficult, as he is a veteran Republican who still believes in the party.
“I have always supported the Republican candidate. It is a very important thing to move in a different direction. And I still have hope in the Republican Party,” Hutchinson said. “It’s a challenge because I see the direction and the challenge that Nikki Haley has in front of her, but we’re going to work hard to see if we can change that between now and the convention.”
In response to Hutchinson’s comments, Trump’s spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Hill: “No one cares what Ada Hutchinson has to say. She can crawl back under any rock she has slipped off.”
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