fallout of the firing or removal of jeff sessions would be nightmarish leading up to the midterm elections. they don't want any part of that. the other is procedural. the idea they could get an attorney general confirmed or a republican to support a nominee, right now, leadership doesn't think that is available. because of that, the leader and his team saying, hey, leave this alone, mr. president. >> we understand, sources telling cnn that support among some colleagues for sessions isn't entirely due to the tension with the president. what is behind it then? >> reporter: this is an important point. people think it's about the president. that's what graham was referring to or this is about the mueller investigation. we are told it has to do with other policies, criminal justice reforms where he runs cross wise with chuck grassley.