CNN —GOP Sen. John Thune, the No.
2 Republican in the Senate, is endorsing former President Donald Trump as the party’s nominee, his office confirmed to CNN.
The backing from the South Dakota Republican, who has been critical of Trump, is the latest indication of the former president’s grip on the party as he barrels toward the nomination.
Thune, who is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s top deputy and is seen as a potential successor to the Kentucky Republican, had backed Sen. Tim Scott for president before the South Carolina senator dropped out of the race in November.
“All that has repercussions for Senate races, too.
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Organizations:
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Locations:
Saturday’s South Carolina, South Carolina