Crapo withdraws endorsement of Trump, calls for him to step aside
Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo has withdrawn his endorsement of Donald Trump; here’s his full statement:
"I have reached the decision that I can no longer endorse Donald Trump. This is not a decision that I have reached lightly, but his pattern of behavior has left me no choice. His repeated actions and comments toward women have been disrespectful, profane and demeaning. I have spent more than two decades working on domestic violence prevention. Trump’s most recent excuse of "locker room talk" is completely unacceptable and is inconsistent with protecting women from abusive, disparaging treatment.
“Make no mistake--we need conservative leadership in the White House. I urge Donald Trump to step aside and allow the Republican Party to put forward a conservative candidate like Mike Pence who can defeat Hillary Clinton.”
Crapo’s Democratic challenger, Jerry Sturgill, issued this statement:
"I am glad to hear that Senator Crapo finally pulled his endorsement of Donald Trump. That he didn't do so immediately and without qualification is disappointing."
Earlier today, prior to Crapo’s announcement, Sturgill had issued this statement:
"Donald Trump is repugnant. His behavior flies in the face of the values we as Idahoans hold and aspire to. As a husband, as a father and as an uncle to pure and innocent young women, I shout from the rooftops that Trump’s predatory objectification of women is repulsive and that he is unfit to hold any public office.
“As an Idahoan, I continue to be disappointed and mortified that Senator Crapo and Governor Otter have endorsed such a despicable person. Calling on Trump to apologize for his behavior is like asking a rattlesnake to apologize for being venomous. I can only chalk this up to the hyper-partisanship that is ruining our government. They and all Idahoans should reject Trump immediately and without qualification.
“I grew up in Twin Falls in a strong Republican family. I am saddened to see the party of my youth torn apart by Trump."
Late Saturday afternoon, 2nd District GOP Rep. Mike Simpson issued this statement:
“While I’ve never endorsed Donald Trump, I find his recent comments about women deplorable. In my opinion, he has demonstrated that he is unfit to be President and I cannot support him.”
Neither 1st District GOP Rep. Raul Labrador nor Sen. Jim Risch had any comment Saturday, nor did Gov. Butch Otter, who is Trump's honorary state campaign chairman.
