These Republican Leaders Say Trump Should Not Be President

by LEIGH ANN CALDWELL

Oct 8, 2016

Donald Trump faced harsh rebukes from a growing list of Republicans on Saturday after the release of a video in which he brags about groping women, with some in the GOP calling on him to drop out of the presidential race.

The candidate himself was defiant, however, telling The Washington Post that he will "never withdraw" and insisting the "support I'm getting is unbelievable."

But the condemnation from across the Republican Party was growing louder and more fierce. By NBC News' count, over 50 Republicans have censured their party's presidential nominee — and more than two dozen have demanded he drop out. Here's how they break out:

Republicans calling for Donald Trump to drop out

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk called Trump a "malignant clown — unprepared and unfit to be president of the United States."

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the first member of GOP congressional leadership to call for Trump to step aside.

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, who never supported Trump, is asking him to "step aside & let Mike Pence try."

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, who had previously endorsed Trump, rejected his "disrespectful, profane and demeaning" behavior.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who had already indicated he did not support Trump, dismissed him as "the distraction."

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who had very recently endorsed Trump, said "the time has come for Governor Pence to lead the ticket."

Utah Rep. Mia Love, who had yet to endorse Trump, said she "cannot vote for him" and that he should "step aside."

Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman said Trump should withdraw "for the good of the country."

Nevada Rep. Joe Heck, withdrew his support for Trump, and said the "American people deserve better."

Rep. Barbara Comstock called Trump's remarks "disgusting, vile, and disqualifying."

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan said he "will support Governor Mike Pence for President."

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who never backed Trump, said he needs to make the decision to step down."I could not support his candidacy."

Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner called Trump's "flaws ... beyond mere moral shortcomings."

Alabama Rep. Martha Roby, who previously endorsed Trump, said Trump needs "to step aside and allow a responsible, respectable Republican to lead the ticket"

Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne, who previously endorsed Trump, said the comments were "were disgraceful and appalling" and that "it is clear that Donald Trump is not fit to be president."

Rep. Scott Garrett of New Jersey said he is "appalled."

Missouri Rep. Ann Wagner, who is withdrawing her support for Trump, said she must "condemn the predatory and reprehensible comments of Donald Trump."

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis asked to be withdrawn from his agriculture advisory committee and said Pence should be the nominee.

Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer said it "would be wise" for Trump to step aside.

South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard said "enough is enough."

Utah Rep. Chris Stewart said "I am willing to hold Mr. Trump accountable" and is asking Trump to step aside.

Frmr Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, said this is "enough" and Trump should "withdraw."

Hugh Hewitt, radio host and conservative commentator

Republicans no longer voting for Donald Trump

Arizona Senator John McCain is withdrawing his support for Trump, "Cindy and I will not vote for Donald Trump."

New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte said she would write in Pence on her ballot.

West Virginia Sen. Shelly Moore Capito said the "appropriate next step may be for him to reexamine his candidacy."

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, ex-2016 contender, said It's clear that Trump "hasn't changed and has no interest in doing so."

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said Trump lost his vote just a few hours after the damaging tape was released.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who previously endorsed Trump, said he will no longer vote for him.

Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who had endorsed Trump, became the first member of Congress to reverse course when he said Friday night he could no longer support the nominee.

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who hadn't yet backed Trump, urged Republicans to vote for country over party.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Trump has "forfeited the right to be our party's nominee."

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said he "can no longer support him as my party's nominee."

Nevada Rep. Crescent Hardy said he "will no longer support the guy at the head of the ticket."

California Rep. Steve Knight, who never endorsed Trump, said his comments were "inexcusable" and that he "cannot support" him.

Pennsylvania Rep. Charlie Dent, who has never supported Trump, said the comments were "disturbing."

Republicans condemning Donald Trump's comments

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was "sickened" by Trump's comments.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blasted Trump's "repugnant" comments.

RNC chairman Reince Priebus said: "No woman should ever be described in these terms or talked about in this manner. Ever."

2012 nominee Mitt Romney condemned Trump's "vile degradations."

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, an ex-2016 contender, said: "As the grandfather of two precious girls, I find that no apology can excuse away Donald Trump's reprehensible comments degrading women."

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, ex-2016 contender who just recently came out for Trump, said:"These comments are disturbing and inappropriate, there is simply no excuse for them."

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the Majority Whip, called his comments "disgusting."

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who is locked in a tough re-election bid.

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, who, before Trump's "hot mic" leak, was leading in his tough Senate race.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is also up for reelection.

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, who has been a consistently tough critic of Trump.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is leading in his re-election effort.

Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, who faced difficult re-election race.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who ran against Trump in the presidential primary and is now running for a second term in a race he is leading.

North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr, who is locked in a competitive re-eelction bid.

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, who is also looking to get re-elected but trails in the polls.

Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, who is leading his re-election effort by a slim margin.

Indiana Rep. Todd Young, who is in a tight race but is looking to keep this open Senate seat red.

New York Rep. Chris Collins, one of the first Congressional supporters of Trump.

Idaho Sen. Joni Ernst called his remarks "lewd."

Tennesse Sen. Bob Corker

• Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, one of the leaders of the right's evangelical movement, said Trump is the better option of the two.