DENVER -- Congressman Mike Coffman is calling for Donald Trump to step aside after video was released Friday showing Trump making shockingly crude comments about a married woman.
In a text conversation with Denver7 Political Reporter Marshall Zelinger, the Republican Congressman said Trump should drop out of the race.
"For the good of the country and to give the Republicans a chance of defeating Hillary Clinton, Mr. Trump should step aside. His defeat at this point seems almost certain and four more years of Hillary Clinton is not what is best for this country. Mr. Trump should put the country first and do the right thing."
Zelinger has asked for an answer if Coffman will vote for Trump if he is still the candidate. He told Denver7 this summer that he is still considering his options including voting Libertarian.
Coffman is not alone in calling for Trump to step aside. Two Utah Republicans, Gov. Gary Herbert and Rep. Jason Chaffetz withdrew their endorsements, and former Gov. Jon Huntsman did call for the candidate to step aside and let Pence take his place.
In the recording, obtained by The Washington Post and NBC News, Trump describes trying to have sex with the married woman and brags about women letting him kiss and grab them because he is famous.
"When you're a star they let you do it," Trump says. "You can do anything."
He adds seconds later, "Grab them by the p----. You can do anything."
Earlier this evening, Coffman's challenger in Congressional District Six, State Sen. Morgan Carroll made this statement about Trump's comments:
"Donald Trump's comments about women are beyond abhorrent. He boasts about grabbing women by the genitals without their consent, calls women “fat”, “slobs” and “pigs.” He is a dangerous role model of disrespect toward women and girls. I obviously condemn Trump in the strongest manner possible for his pattern of slander and disrespect toward women, people with disabilities, veterans, immigrants, and Muslims. Where is Mike Coffman? His silence is deafening."
Late tonight, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Darryl Glenn provided Zelinger the following statement in a text message:
"I'm extremely disappointed to hear about Donald Trump's comments. As the father of two daughters, I believe that women should be honored and respected."
Just like with Coffman, we asked if Glenn would still vote for Trump, as he has supported him in the past. Denver7 has not received an answer to that question.
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