Trump says he is worried about Whatley in North Carolina

Trump voices concern

President Trump said he is worried about Michael Whatley’s chances in North Carolina as Whatley campaigns as the Republican Senate nominee.

The comment put Trump’s concern on the record without forecasting the election result. Calling Whatley “a great man” expressed personal praise, while saying he was “worried” described concern about Whatley’s election prospects. The statement did not include a poll number, vote count or financial figure.

Republican super PAC changes plans

A Senate Republican super PAC began canceling reservations in North Carolina on Friday. The action concerned the group’s plans in the state, while Trump’s statement addressed Whatley’s prospects directly.

The two developments represent different parts of Republican activity around Whatley: a public assessment from the president and a planning decision by a super PAC. Canceling reservations does not decide an election, just as Trump’s expression of concern does not determine the result. Voters determine the outcome through the election process.

What comes next

Further decisions about the super PAC’s North Carolina reservations will show whether its plans continue to change. Additional comments from Trump, Whatley or the super PAC could also clarify how each views the state of the contest. Friday’s developments did not constitute a vote tally or an election result.