Trump blows off Senate Republican leaders on critical endorsements

Senate Republicans are rallying behind Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), but their big-dollar super PAC will likely leave him out to dry. Why it matters: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is 0 for 3 in the closing stretch on getting President Trump to endorse some critical, embattled GOP incumbents.

The fractures are forming in the GOP campaign apparatus despite Thune helping secure early Trump endorsements of incumbents in races like Ohio and Florida — and party unity in battleground races like North Carolina and Michigan. Driving the news: Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) is officially challenging Cassidy in the safely red seat — with Trump’s backing.

“The crux of the campaign will not be about endorsements,” Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday. “The crux of the campaign is, how do you make Lou