Minnesota Republicans Rip Trump,Drop Support of his Campaign

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Republican members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are condemning Donald Trump for his sexually charged words on a 2005 recording but are not saying the GOP presidential nominee should drop out of the race.

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen said Trump's words are "disgusting and offensive," and he will not be voting for him. The four-term congressman faces a well-funded Democratic opposition in his bid to return to Congress to represent his western suburban district.

U.S. Rep. John Kline, who is retiring this year, said that Trump's words were "offensive and disgusting."

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, who was among the first Minnesota officials to support Trump, said the comments were "indefensible" and that he's glad to see Trump "disavow and apologize" for his comments.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he has also withdrawn his support for Trump over the vulgarities. In a statement Saturday, Pawlenty calls Trump "unsound, uninformed, unhinged and unfit" to be president.

The former GOP governor said it's clear Trump "is unwilling or unable to demonstrate even the most basic level of discipline, character and judgment" needed to lead the United States.

Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt condemned Trump's behavior and comments toward women as "unacceptable" and urged Trump's campaign to "step aside so we can defeat Hillary Clinton," the Democratic candidate.

But State DFL Chairman Ken Martin accused Minnesota Republicans of cowardice for continuing to stand by his candidacy.