Plan B

Dump Trump Convention Effort Could Look to Someone Like Walker

The long-shot movement's leaders say they have no single person in mind to replace the billionaire at next month's national convention, but that doesn't mean names aren't being discussed.

Was8951211 — Photographer: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

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By John McCormick and Steven Yaccino

June 24, 2016 at 9:00 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

As the long-shot bid to block Donald Trump from becoming the Republican presidential nominee gains modest momentum, the movement's leaders claim they have no one specifically in mind to replace him at next month's national convention.

That doesn't mean names aren't circulating and politicians aren't subtly auditioning for what could be the role of a lifetime. One of those being floated: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

As an early Trump critic who exited the presidential race in September and endorsed Texas Senator Cruz ahead of Wisconsin's April primary, Walker could appeal to many segments of the fractured party.

"It's very a sell-able notion to many delegates," said Rick Shaftan, a Republican consultant working with the so-called "Free the Delegates" effort. "His record in Wisconsin, every conservative loves it."