Rep. Peter King considers supporting Donald Trump for president

Rep. Peter King told a political journalism organization that while he likes Jeb Bush for president he has considered supporting Donald Trump -- because the billionaire has "really tapped into something" with the American public.

"Trump is providing a certain leadership right now," King (R-Seaford) said, according to Politico.

His comments were published Wednesday, days after he said in a TV interview that The Donald "talks like the guys I grew up with in Queens or Brooklyn; he talks like a real person."

King told Politico he's already ruled out candidates, "namely senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul." Politico reported that King has previously accused both of "obstructionism and isolationism."

King had briefly considered his own candidacy, before he opted not to run.

As for whether he will support Bush or Trump?

"It's too early to see who is going to be standing," King said, adding that at this point in the race, "I'm not sure who can make payroll next month."

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”