TheChat: Kansas state senator bemoans Jerry Moran’s aid to her primary opponent

Good morning.

▪ “I'm very concerned that a top Republican official would become involved in primaries and take part in this sort of campaign.” — Kansas state Sen. Vicki Schmidt, a Topeka Republican, on the involvement of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran in the campaign of her primary opponent.

The practice isn’t unusual, though it almost always results in hurt feelings, an emotion that sitting officeholders seeking re-election usually seek to avoid. While many downplay the value of such endorsements, candidates on the receiving end of the backing appreciate the help.

▪ “Trump is not going to change the institution. He’s not going to change the basic philosophy of the party.” — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The party has had nominees before who were not tied to Republican politics, McConnell said, in a reference to Dwight Eisenhower. But McConnell said he’s comfortable voting for Donald Trump because he’s right on the big issues, including the selection of Supreme Court nominees.

▪ “I'm the only one in the world who can raise almost $6 million for the veterans, have uniform applause by the veterans groups, and end up being criticized by press.” — Trump on Tuesday speaking about the media.

Trump lambasted the people who would cover his administration, calling reporters “dishonest,” “not good people,” sleazy and among the worst humans he’d ever met. How’d he really feel?

▪ “One thing I've always tried not to be is a roaring jackass.” — Bill Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, responding to Trump’s criticism of him as a “loser.”

Kristol has also predicted over the weekend that an independent presidential candidate would soon emerge with “a real chance.” Trump and Kristol have been feuding.