That would encourage other elected officials to endorse the candidate as well, c

reating an impression that the candidate was a favorite of those who knew best a
nd encouraging others to drop out of the race, said David Karol, a University of
Maryland political science professor who has found that endorsements were a str
ong predictor of electoral success between 1980 and 2004.
"The absence of most of the governors this late in the process really indicates
the paralysis and division in Republican elite circles," Karol said.
Many don't want to discuss Trump, who has made his party's establishment uneasy
with his abrasive tone and policy positions, including plans to build a wall on
the U.S.-Mexican border, deport 11 million illegal immigrants and temporarily ba
r Muslims from entering the country.
Those still on the fence do not seem eager to talk. The 18 undecided Republican
governors, contacted by Reuters, declined an interview to discuss their views on
the race.