Toomey, McGinty scramble to take positions on Trump controversy
(Harrisburg) — The past weekend kicked off with the release of tape showing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump describing making aggressive sexual advances on women. It closed with a venomous debate between Trump and Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.
Those few days saw swings in the both statewide and national polls, as well as top Republicans rescinding their support for Trump.
Meanwhile, down-ballot candidates are still reeling from the fallout.
When news broke of Trump’s 2005 comments about women, the campaign of Democratic Senate candidate Katie McGinty quickly fired off a press release condemning the remarks, and tying her Republican opponent, Pat Toomey, to Trump.
Speaking on a conference call later, McGinty criticized Toomey’s measured response to the tape.
“Senator Toomey is leading with calculations about his political future, instead of with courage to stand up for his constituents in Pennsylvania,” she said.
Toomey called Trump’s remarks “indefensible and appalling” in a statement. He has never endorsed the businessman, though he has not ruled out voting for him.
Pollster Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College said the Trump comments–as well as the contentious debate–have pushed Clinton into her widest lead yet.
Trump currently trails by 9 points in Pennsylvania, and Madonna said those numbers could fall even more in the coming days.
Madonna added that a deficit that large would make it much harder for Toomey to win in November.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
