Will the Koch network skip the GOP convention?

The grassroots empire of billionaire businessmen Charles and David Koch may be notably absent when Republicans gather to pick the party's presidential nominee in Cleveland this summer.

Sources with knowledge of the plans told the Washington Examinerthat the brothers have withdrawn their political network's presence from the festivities surrounding the Republican National Convention.

As Republicans fret about disgruntled supporters of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz walking away from the party, some of the party's leading financiers and donors could become the first to shun the GOP.

Freedom Partners, a right-leaning organization within the Koch's network, canceled its convention-week reservation at the prominent Union Club in Cleveland.

A source with knowledge of Freedom Partners' plans said the Koch network's decision to forego the convention was made because of its political concerns.