OAKLAND — “The California Republican Party has elected not to endorse any of the candidates running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in the upcoming recall election, prioritizing unity over a potentially divisive selection. Hours before party delegates were set to choose between four Republican candidates, a pair of party officials circulated a motion to scrap the process and instead issue no endorsement,” reports Politico.

“They warned that selecting one candidate could make it less likely that voters recall Newsom because “the CAGOP tipping the scale may deter some voters.” That motion prevailed with party chair Jessica Millan Patterson in support. “We cannot afford to discourage voters who are passionate about a particular candidate, yet may not vote because their favored candidate didn’t receive the endorsement,” Republican National Committee members Harmeet Dhillon and Shawn Steel wrote.”

Some believe the failure to endorse a candidate is out of fear that they might draw the ire of the GOPs Orange God Emperor, who has a history of lashing out at party members who fail to endorse the candidates he prefers. “Trump hasn’t really said clearly who he likes and we don’t want to anger him by picking the wrong person,” is what California Republicans would say if they were being honest. Although there’s no doubt that Trump’s campaign machine pushed for the recall for Newsom, he’s failed to declare a candidate he supports, leaving California Republicans fearful of a last minute tantrum.

“The Democratic governor is still favored to defeat the recall based on recent polls, but the race remains close and turnout is hard to predict. Republicans are energized to oust Newsom and participate in high numbers, while Democrats and independents appear to be less motivated so far. That gives Republicans a chance in this blue state if Newsom supporters fail to participate.”