According to GOP strategists, there is a mounting apprehension that if Trump is not chosen as the nominee, a significant portion of his steadfast supporters, estimated to comprise 25 percent to 35 percent of the party base, may choose to disengage from the political process entirely.
"The belief is that there is legitimate apprehension about the prospect of Trump not being the nominee. In such a scenario, it is feared that his coalition might disengage from the political process," stated Matt Dole, an Ohio-based Republican strategist. Ohio Republicans are specifically concentrating their efforts on unseating Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is considered vulnerable.