Influential Republicans pledged Wednesday to support Christine O'Donnell's general election campaign after party leaders initially turned their backs on the Tea Party candidate following her upset win in the Delaware Senate primary.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn said in a written statement Wednesday that O'Donnell would have NRSC support as well as the maximum $42,000 donation from the organization. "Let there be no mistake: The National Republican Senatorial Committee -- and I personally as the committee's chairman -- strongly stand by all of our Republican nominees, including Christine O'Donnell in Delaware," Cornyn said.
Castle, who argued O'Donnell could not win in a general election against Democrat Chris Coons, reportedly will not endorse O'Donnell. But party leaders on Capitol Hill tried to embrace her candidacy Wednesday.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told Fox News he would support the nominee and donate money from his political action committee.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele announced his support.
Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., the third-ranking Republican in the House, said he would not count out O'Donnell in November.
"I categorically reject that Christine O'Donnell cannot win in Delaware," he said. "This is a whole new world. We elected a Republican in Massachusetts."