GOP Degrees of Separation on Donald Trump
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has had a change of mind. Earlier this month after a video surfaced in which Donald Trump boasted about groping women, he rescinded his endorsement. However, he now says that he plans to vote for Trump anyway. The issue came up in Monday night’s Pennsylvania Senate debate and Senator Pat Toomey wouldn’t say whether he supports Trump or not.
These are a few of the many different positions taken by Republican lawmakers. It can be hard to keep track of them. To help, here is a list categorizing the various approaches Republican officeholders have taken with respect to Donald Trump and a few politicians who fit in each category:
-Won’t defend or campaign for Trump but still endorsing
House Speaker Ryan has said he won’t defend Donald Trump anymore, won’t campaign with him and will focus on keeping the House majority.
-Endorse but not talk about Trump
After the video, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell said he would not talk about Trump if asked. He told a chamber of commerce crowd, “If you’re interested in the presidential election, you might as well get up and leave, because I don’t have any observations to make on that.”
-Vote for the Republican Ticket but not Trump
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst remarked that although she was “appalled” by Trump’s comments, she “will vote for the Republican ticket.” Said Ernst: “If Donald Trump is at the top of that, yes, I will be supporting the Republican ticket.”
-Flirt with dropping endorsement, but ultimately stick with Trump
West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito said that Donald Trump should “re-examine his candidacy,” but ultimately decided to stand by him. “Hillary Clinton’s promise to put coal miners out of work will cause further damage to West Virginia’s already struggling economy,” said Capito.
-Keep it a secret
Senator Pat Toomey, the only senator running for reelection who hasn’t said whether he will support Donald Trump, said that he is running an independent race and that Pennsylvanians are “totally capable” of separating the presidential race from the senate race.
-Call for Pence to take over, ultimately back Trump
Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska at first suggested Trump should “step aside and allow Mike Pence” to be the GOP’s candidate. Three days later she said that she would vote for Trump. Senator John Thune of South Dakota did a similar two-step. He tweeted that “Donald Trump should withdraw and Mike Pence should be our nominee effective immediately,” but later clarified that Trump should be president.
-Reprimand but not un-endorse
Marco Rubio released a statement about Trump: “I have consistently rejected his offensive rhetoric and behavior. I disagree with him on many things, but I disagree with his opponent on virtually everything.” Senators Tim Scott, Tom Cotton and Bob Corker have taken similar positions.
-Un-endorse and not vote for
Senator John McCain said that he does not plan to vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump and will write in “some good conservative Republican.” Utah Governor Gary Herbert tweeted that “Donald Trump’s statements are beyond offensive & despicable. While I cannot vote for Hillary Clinton, I will not vote for Trump.” Erik Paulsen of Minnesota also says he does not plan to vote for Trump.
-Un-endorse and vote for or write in Pence
Senator Rob Portman withdrew his endorsement of Trump after the video saying “I will be voting for Mike Pence for president.” Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire has said she will do the same thing.
-Withdraw support, vote unclear
Florida Representative Tom Rooney said that he will not vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval also backed away from Donald Trump, and said “I cannot support him as my party’s nominee.”
-Did not support, vote unclear
Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Representative Barbara Comstock have never supported Donald Trump and confirmed that they will not vote for him. Both have also said they will not vote for Hillary Clinton.
-Vote for Clinton
Representative of New York Richard Hanna said in August that he plans to vote for Hillary Clinton.