Turmoil surrounds Mike Johnson over alleged Senate endorsement

• "I don't know how you explain that one," Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told Punchbowl News of the rumored endorsement, first scooped by Punchbowl.
• "I can confirm that upon reflection, the Speaker withdrew his endorsement largely based on the reality that Rosendale is the weaker candidate by far against Tester," Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) told Politico.

The other side: Johnson's team said the Louisiana Republican doesn't have plans to involve himself in the race.

• "The Speaker has committed to sending a contribution to Congressman Rosendale, as he has for other House colleagues and friends, but he has not made any endorsements in Senate races," Team Johnson spokesman Greg Steele said in a statement.
• A source close to Johnson said there was never a formal commitment for an endorsement, but the Louisiana Republican is "sympathetic and wanted to be supportive."

The bottom line: Senate GOP leadership have strong reservations about Rosendale — a conservative firebrand who helped lead the charge in the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

• Party leaders have lined up behind Tim Sheehy, a businessman and former Navy SEAL, in the Montana primary.
• Rosendale, who's expected to enter the race as soon as Friday, did not immediately respond to request for comment.