Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus invoked 2016 politics in his statement congratulating the Cleveland Cavaliers on their NBA Finals win against the Golden State Warriors Sunday night.
The Cavaliers are “just the first winner Cleveland will produce this summer!” Priebus said, alluding to the Republican National Convention set to take place in Cleveland from July 18-21 where the GOP is expected to nominate presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
The GOP’s official Twitter also chimed in: “Congrats to the @cavs! This team is just the first winner Cleveland will produce this summer!”
Former Republican presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich tweeted, “It can now be said. Cleveland: Home of Champions. Congrats @cavs! #AllInCLE #3Cavs.”
Kasich, who responded with “Why would I?” when asked if were ready to endorse his former rival Trump, is expected to get the backing of Ohio delegates at the convention after he won the Ohio Republican primary in March.
Bill Kristol, who is trying desperately to stop Trump, noted in a tweet that the Cavs were the first team to come from down 3-1 to win in the finals and he added, “Cleveland Convention: First to free its delegates to win the presidency.”
Amid tensions between Trump, Republican leaders and reports of an anti-Trump delegate faction trying to stop the businessman from clinching the nomination, Priebus has dismissed reports of disagreement and maintained that Republicans will eventually unite behind Trump.
“Flying to Dallas now with @realDonaldTrump…Reports of discord are pure fiction. Great events lined up all over Texas. Rs will win in Nov!” Priebus tweeted last week.