PRESIDENTIAL RACE | Ryan said he never asked for Trump's endorsement

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump may be withholding his endorsement from House Speaker Paul Ryan, but Ryan says he never sought it in the first place.

The Wisconsin Republican's spokesman, Zack Roday said neither Ryan nor anyone associated with his re-election ever asked for Trump's backing.

Roday added that the Ryan team was "confident in a victory next week regardless."

Ryan faces a challenge from longshot candidate Paul Nehlen in the Aug. 9 primary.

Trump, in an interview with The Washington Post, refused to support Ryan and longtime Sen. John McCain in their upcoming Republican primaries.

Trump said he is "not quite there yet" in backing Ryan, echoing the words the Wisconsin Republican used several months ago in withholding his endorsement of Trump before relenting weeks later with tepid support.