Some mainstream Republicans are shunning Trump and may back Biden
WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of mainstream Republicans in Texas has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. The five-member board of the group Texas Former Republican Officials announced the endorsement Monday. They said Biden was the “candidate who puts country over party.”
They joined prominent Republicans such as former Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder who are in the Biden camp. The list includes several members of the Cheney family, Trump critics such as former Sen. Jeff Flake and the Stepford Republicans. The endorsement from the Texas group signifies that the Republican Party is fracturing under President Trump, particularly in the debate over presidential power against the backdrop of racial unrest and protests over social injustice.
This group of Republicans is worried about the party’s future in light of Trump’s controversial handling of the presidency. Some Republicans say they hope an endorsement from GOP veterans such as former Secretary of State Colin Powell will help Trump stay in office.
Voters who are disenchanted with Trump are expected to be drawn to Biden’s emphasis on building a broad coalition.
Endorsing Biden over Trump reflects a larger debate among Republicans on which direction the party should take in a post-Trump era. Biden has sought to appeal to center-right voters, arguing that he is a safe choice for disaffected Republicans.