Donald Trump, in a major reversal, now says he respects New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and hopes she'll endorse him for president, according to the
Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper.
"I'd like to have it," the presumptive Republican nominee said in a phone interview when asked if he wanted Martinez's support, the paper reports. "I respect her. I have always liked her."
His comments come about a week after he publicly attacked the governor, who has been critical of his proposed policies. And the paper reports that until Trump's most recent comments his "relationship with Martinez had ranged from icy to hostile."
"She has to do a better job, OK? She's not doing the job," Trump said about Martinez when he campaigned in New Mexico, according to a report in
The Hill.
But the New Mexican newspaper noted: "Trump's criticisms of Martinez turned to praise Thursday, signs of their months-long war thawing to a détente."
Martinez, who is a delegate to the Republican convention, has not addressed Trump's latest comments, the paper reports. But while critical of him, she has not ruled out the possibility of endorsing him.
"I am waiting to hear from him as to addressing the issues facing New Mexico," Martinez said. "Once I hear that, we'll see what happens. I am going to tell you I'm not going to be voting for Hillary Clinton."
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