Michigan's Republican lieutenant governor says he will no longer support Donald Trump in his bid to be president. Brian Calley says he will not vote for Trump and may instead write in the name of Mike Pence on his ballot.
Pence is Trump's running mate. Calley's statement came Saturday, after a recording of Trump's lewd comments toward women was released Friday.
The lieutenant governor said, "It would be best for the party, and America, if Mr. Trump would step aside and allow a replacement to provide the kind of option America could believe in."
If Trump does not step aside, Calley says he'll go with the write-in option.
"Some may call it a wasted vote, but I fear this whole election is a wasted opportunity to set America back on the right course," he said.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley's full statement:
The presidential nominee has the responsibility to unify and strengthen the party. The presidential nominee has the responsibility to be open, from the beginning, about issues with respect to background, because there are no secrets in a presidential election.
The latest revelations about Donald Trump and his past make it impossible for me to maintain support of him. This is not a decision I take lightly because I still believe that a Hillary Clinton Presidency represents a disastrous alternative.
It would be best for the party, and America, if Mr. Trump would step aside and allow a replacement to provide the kind of option America could believe in. If he does not, I intend to write in the name of Governor Pence and focus my time, effort and support on the state house elections.
Some may call it a wasted vote, but I fear this whole election is a wasted opportunity to set America back on the right course.
