GOP presidential candidates bristle over RNC pledge requirement

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GOP presidential candidates bristle over RNC pledge requirement

BY CAROLINE VAKIL - 06/28/23 6:00 AM ET

Republican presidential hopefuls are bristling over their party’s mandate that candidates pledge support for the eventual nominee to qualify for the first debate.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) released criteria earlier this month with several requirements for candidates to participate in the August debate, including signing a pledge to support the Republican nominee.

Some Republicans have been reluctant to say whether they’ll support the GOP nominee, while others have explicitly criticized the rule. At least one candidate said he’s refusing to sign the pledge.

But the RNC is so far not budging, with chairwoman Ronna McDaniel saying last week, “It’s the Republican Party nomination, and the pledge is staying.”

Here’s what 2024 GOP candidates have said so far about the RNC pledge requirement:

Former President Trump

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https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4070343-gop-presidential-candidates-bristle-over-rnc-pledge-requirement/

[Maj. Bill Martin]

The pledge should have reciprocity as a precondition.  The promise to support the nominee should apply only to those nominees  willing to take the pledge.