Nobody creates more fear in Republican lawmakers than Donald Trump. Politicians who have failed to endorse him are often attacked and punished by the former President. Republicans know that going against Trump could result in an end to their political careers.
A great example of this phenomenon came from Tim Scott this week. Scott announced that he would be backing Donald Trump in the Republican nomination race. He did so despite having a significant history with Nikki Haley.
In 2012, Republican senator Jim DeMint retired during his term and had to be replaced. It was South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley who placed Tim Scott in that seat and he has remained there ever since.
A New York Times article by Jonathan Swan and Shane Goldmacher reads, "Mr. Trump has pursued Mr. Scott’s endorsement since the senator exited the race last year. His endorsement not only lifts Mr. Trump in New Hampshire, which hosts its primary on Tuesday, but also in South Carolina, the home state of one of Mr. Trump’s top remaining Republican rivals, Nikki Haley."
The piece continues:
"The Trump team is hoping to force from the race both Ms. Haley and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida with a decisive win in South Carolina’s primary on Feb. 24, avoiding an expensive fight for delegates that would otherwise extend through March after Super Tuesday."