Following the latest controversy surrounding Donald Trump, Governor Robert Bentley has officially withdrawn his support of the Republican presidential nominee.
“I endorsed Governor John Kasich for President, because I felt like he was the most qualified and the best person to lead our nation,” he said in a statement. “I certainly won’t vote for Hillary Clinton, but I cannot and will not vote for Donald Trump.”
He stopped short of demanding that Trump remove himself from the race, as some other Alabama Republicans have.
This announcement follows an audio tape leak that reveals Trump engaging in a lewd conversation with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush. Trump later apologized for the exchange, in which he discussed grabbing and “moving on” married women.
“This was locker-room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course — not even close,” Trump said in a statement. “I apologize if anyone was offended.”
In March, audio leaked that exposed innuendo-filled conversations between Bentley and a top female aide.
“Let me tell you what we’re gonna have to do, we’re gon’ have to start locking the door. If we’re gonna do what we did the other day we’re gonna have to start locking the door,” Bentley said. “You know what, it is kinda scary. Somebody open that door? Mmm.”
“You know what?” he continued. “When I stand behind you, and I put my arms around you, and I put my hands on your breasts, and I put my hands (unintelligible) and just pull you real close. I love that, too.”
Following revelations of Bentley’s conversations, several members of the Alabama legislature have called on the governor to resign. Lawmakers are currently moving forward with impeachment proceedings, though Bentley claims he did nothing to warrant removal.
Likewise, Representatives Bradley Byrne and Martha Roby have both called on Trump to step down.
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