GOP chairman doubts Trump will run third party

The chairman of the Republican National Committee says he doesn't see Donald Trump running for president as an independent next year, though apparently he would just as soon have it in writing.

"Our candidates should pledge not to run as a third-party candidate," GOP chairman Reince Priebus said Monday on NBC's Today show.

As for the prospect of a Trump independent bid -- should he not win the Republican nomination -- Priebus said: "I don't see that happening."

Asked about Trump's political success and his rise to the top of many Republican polls, Priebus said the New York-based businessman is "speaking out to people that are really frustrated with Washington."

Priebus also appeared to nod to some of Trump's critics, saying that "I do agree that tone matters and how you speak matters."

Speaking last week on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Trump said he wants to "win as a Republican," but the prospect of an independent candidacy will depend on how the party treats him.

"Now if I'm treated poorly, that's one thing," Trump said. "If I'm treated well and with great respect and don't win, I would not do that. But if I'm treated poorly, I will do it."