Trump-backed candidates face scrutiny after minimal vetting
CTV
As former U.S. President Donald Trump wades into contested primaries across the country, he has endorsed a series of candidates involved in allegations of wrongdoing, especially concerning their treatment of women.
As former U.S. President Donald Trump wades into contested primaries across the country, he's trying to exact revenge and remake the Republican Party in his image. In doing so, he has endorsed a series of candidates involved in allegations of wrongdoing, especially concerning their treatment of women.
That's contributing to anxiety among some Republicans who worry that Trump is lending his powerful political backing only to those who flatter his ego. Such candidates may be able to win GOP primaries in which the party's Trump-supporting base dominates, only to struggle in the general election.
And with control of Congress hinging on just a few seats, such missteps could be costly.
"There is no vetting process -- at least not on policy and electability," said Dan Eberhart, a GOP donor and Trump supporter who said the concerns extend to many corners of the party. "The endorsement process comes down to how much a candidate supports the former president and is willing to have the Trump machine run their campaign and fundraising. ... Whether they are the most viable candidate in a given race is secondary."
