In Washington and across the country, many mainstream Republicans who despise Trump — including many supporters of former candidate Marco Rubio — are still declining to support the senator from Texas, whose antagonism toward GOP leaders has been the centerpiece of his political rise…

“I think stopping Donald Trump has got to be the number one goal, and to rally around Ted Cruz in these future primaries I think is important,” said billionaire GOP donor Frank VanderSloot, who backed Rubio. “But neither I nor very many of the people I know are enamored with Ted Cruz, and I think that everyone is hoping it is a brokered convention where we can have a third choice.”…

Take Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), a freshman conservative whose first choice for president was Rubio and his more optimistic tone.

As the Colorado Republican Party finalizes delegate selections this weekend, Gardner’s support might be a huge boost to Cruz, but no such endorsement is coming.

“Any nominee is going to have to earn my support, just like they’ll have to earn the support of the delegates this weekend in Colorado,” he said.