GOP Sen. Jeff Flake Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeJeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Republican former Michigan governor says he's voting for Biden Maybe they just don't like cowboys: The president is successful, some just don't like his style MORE (Ariz.) said on Monday that he will donate to Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump, GOP allies prepare for SCOTUS nomination this week Trump meets with potential Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett at White House Names to watch as Trump picks Ginsburg replacement on Supreme Court MORE's campaign if ex-coal CEO Don Blankenship wins Tuesday's primary in West Virginia and becomes the GOP nominee.

"If he does [win the primary] I think you'll see a lot of Republicans making a contribution to Joe Manchin. I certainly will be," he told reporters on Monday.

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Blankenship, who spent a year in prison for violating mine safety standards, has momentum heading into Tuesday's primary, with polling showing him pulling ahead of Rep. Evan Jenkins Evan Hollin JenkinsWest Virginia New Members 2019 Republican Carol Miller holds off Democrat in West Virginia House race Trump to fundraise for 3 Republicans running for open seats: report MORE (R-W.Va.) and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

Flake's comments come after he came out against Blankenship on Monday. He also appeared to take a veiled swing at President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE's decision to buck Blankenship because he couldn't win in November and not specifically for his controversial rhetoric.

"The problem isn't that Don Blankenship can't win a general election in West Virginia, it's that he shouldn't win a general election in West Virginia," Flake wrote on Twitter.

Trump took to Twitter early Monday morning to urge his supports to back either Jenkins or Morrisey.

To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can’t win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018

But Flake argued that Trump should have more forcefully condemned Blankenship's controversial rhetoric. The former coal baron has drawn negative national headlines for attacks against McConnell's wife, Transportation Secretary. In one ad, Blankenship said McConnell had benefited from his "China family."

"He ought to condemn not just the loss of a seat but to say somebody like this that expresses those kind of views should not be supported by Republicans," Flake added on Monday.