"I can watch it on TV": Republican excuses for skipping a Trump-led convention

Even the two highest-ranking Republicans in the convention’s host state of Ohio — Gov. John Kasich and Senator Rob Portman, who is fighting to hold onto his seat — do not know if they will set foot in the convention hall.

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Mr. Kasich, who only four weeks ago quit the presidential campaign himself and has not endorsed Mr. Trump, has no idea “what role if any he will have,” a spokesman said. He will be in Cleveland that week but has no plans, as of now, to partake in any official convention activities.

Several other of Mr. Trump’s former rivals for the nomination have either said they will not attend or have not yet committed. Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, will not be there. Neither will Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

“I’m sure it will be fun, I’m sure it will be entertaining,” Mr. Graham said last week. “And I can watch it on TV.”

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who is a delegate as well as a former presidential candidate, has yet to decide. “T.B.D.,” a spokesman said. “The schedule is still being firmed up.”

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