Minn. Republicans Denounce Trump Over Sexual Comments
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Donald Trump released an unprecedented apology overnight with a video followed by an appearance in front of cheering supporters at Trump Tower in New York Saturday.
"It was wrong and I apologize," Trump says in the 90-second video.
Video was released Friday of Donald Trump making sexually-offensive comments about women while tapping a segment on the entertainment news show "Access Hollywood" in 2005.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., says Trump's latest controversy promotes divide and goes against Minnesota values. She's not satisfied with the apology.
"It was basically so demeaning that it went even beyond what I imagined he could say," Sen. Klobuchar said.
It's not just democrats who are outraged. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen said he would not be voting for Trump, while Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty called on Trump to abandon his campaign.
Daudt said in a statement in part: "Donald Trump's behavior and comments toward women are unacceptable, and disqualifying for someone who hopes to serve as Commander In Chief."
Minnesota Republican Congressional candidates Jason Lewis and Stewart Mills also took to social media to decry Trump's comments.
DFL Chairman Ken Martin called out Minnesota Republicans Saturday for not abandoning Trump.
"It is unbelievable that in the wake of these recent revelations of Donald Trump's disgusting behavior, Minnesota Republicans continue to stand by his candidacy," Martin said.
Producers from "Access Hollywood" say Trump was unaware his microphone was left on when he was talking with host Billy Bush on a bus before shooting a segment. The producers also say seven other people were on the bus at the time the comments were made.
"The question is can he move beyond it," political analyst Larry Jacobs said.
Jacobs says Trump's two biggest hurdles are the distraction the controversy creates from other campaign issues like jobs and immigration, and the potential to lose female voters.
"This could be the end of any hope that Donald Trump could rebound from the deficit that he's now in."
