RNC sends no-third-party pledge to candidates

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has reached out to at least a few Republican presidential campaigns asking the candidates to sign a pledge saying they won’t launch a third-party run if they fail to secure the GOP nomination.

{mosads}Politico first reported details of the pledge, which a representative from a presidential campaign has confirmed to The Hill.

“I [candidate’s name] affirm that if I do not win the 2016 Republican nomination for president of the United States I will endorse the 2016 Republican presidential nominee regardless of who it is,” the pledge says. “I further pledge that I will not seek to run as an independent or write-in candidate nor will I seek or accept the nomination for president of any other party.”

A spokesman for the RNC said the committee does not have a comment at this time.

The pledge is aimed at Donald Trump, who has repeatedly refused to take a third-party run off the table.

Trump is keeping the door open to running as an independent, saying that he would like to run as a Republican but wants to make sure the national party treats him fairly during the nominating process.

An official from the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump has said he’s getting closer to ruling out a run as an independent. His hand may be forced at some point this month, as candidates must sign a similar pledge to qualify for the South Carolina Republican primary. 

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus will meet with Trump on Thursday afternoon in New York City, CNN reported.

Trump will answer questions from reporters afterward. 

– Updated at 8:18 p.m.