The in-house battle between Republican presidential candidates and Donald Trump has taken its first dramatic step. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a major candidate just months ago, has officially ended his campaign for the White House just 71 days after it began.

Walker, whose support has dwindled to a mere .5 percent in the latest CNN poll, sent a message to GOP front-runner Trump and the rest of the field vying for the Republican nomination.

“Today I believe that I am being called to lead by helping to clear the field in this race so a positive conservative message can rise to the top of the field,” Walker said Monday at a press conference in Madison, Wisconsin.

Walker has also began to encourage other underachieving candidates to withdraw from the race so voters can have “a positive conservative alternative” to Trump, according to BBC.   

Walker can still play a major role in the election’s outcome and his decision to suspend his campaign could serve as major foreshadowing for the election outcome.

While many Democrats have expressed their disdain for Trump’s personality and politics, his brashness and outspoken nature has won over many supporters of the GOP. However, his lack of political experience and his no holds barred attitude may begin to rub Republican candidates and supporters the wrong way.

It certainly has with Walker and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who has had several heated moments during debates and on social media with Trump.

Republican candidate Carly Fiorina was considered the “winner” of last week’s GOP debate in large part for her willingness to stand up to Trump’s use of personal attacks during his campaigning process.

The question that has yet to be answered is whether this trend stops with Walker’s termination of his campaign or if it is a sign of a larger issue about to unfold within the Republican Party.

Trump’s refusal to play anything but the role of alpha dog may have started a snowball effect against himself. The outcome of the election will be the only indicator if this forecast proves true, but Walker’s decision to remove himself is a crucial moment and almost serves as a win for him.

It certainly serves as a chink in the armor to Trump, and if Walker’s message is fulfilled, it could start a major rallying point against the GOP front-runner.

But if Walker’s mission to provide an alternative Republican candidate to Trump backfires, it could cost his party its best chance at securing the White House come November 2016.

Do Republicans want the White House bad enough that they are willing to fully stand behind Trump if he remains their best opportunity? Time will tell as the election comes closer.

Contact Matt Poe at [email protected].