'Still-on-the-fence' GOP senators hope Haley persists against Trump: report

Several Republican US senators are reluctant to give in to the idea that former President Donald Trump will be the GOP nominee, according to a Monday Politico report.

Referring to the lawmakers as "still-on-the-fence Republicans," Politico's Burgess Everett reports although Nikki Haley "has no official Senate endorsements," and "Trump has 27," the former South Carolina governor still has secured a fanbase within the Senate.

Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) both voiced their hopes that Haley stays in the race past the Tuesday, January 22 primary in New Hampshire.

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"Obviously it’s going to depend on what the margin is tomorrow ... I hope she does very well," Collins said, while Ernst emphasized, "She’s great … and I’m really proud of her. I think it’s good to have that discussion and highlight the different candidates. So, I’d love to see her stay in."

Regarding a Haley endorsement, Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) told Politico "I’m not going to curse her with that pronouncement.But I won’t be supporting President Trump."

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) didn't offer an endorsement either, but he did offer praise. "Statistically, it’s a steep hill. I have tremendous respect for Nikki. She’d make a good president."

READ MORE: 'I do not plan on endorsing': Dozens of GOP senators decline to back Trump in primary

Politico's full report is here.