Flake was and is a frequent outspoken critic of the Republican president.

Flake publicly announced he could not support the Republican candidate in the election.



The Washington Free Beacon reported:

The White House has been meeting with prospective opponents of Sen. Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.) in an apparent effort to put pressure on the senator, who has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump.

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Flake refused to endorse Trump during the presidential campaign and said he could not attend the GOP convention because he had to “mow his lawn.” Now, the Trump administration has had meetings with at least three prospective candidates to run against Flake in the Republican primary, Politico reports.

Flake is up for reelection in 2018 and is considered quite vulnerable.

Politico reports that Trump has talked to Arizona Treasurer Jeff DeWit at least twice. DeWit was a part of Trump’s 2016 campaign. White House officials have also met with former state Sen. Kelli Ward and former Arizona GOP Chairman Robert Graham.