DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is standing by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump who’s battling to rescue his campaign after the release of video in which he’s heard bragging about how his fame allowed him to “do anything” to women.
Branstad, at his weekly news conference Monday, said Trump’s words were “reprehensible and offensive” but he said Trump apologized.
Branstad says he believes Trump is the best candidate to address national security issues and international conflicts.
Branstad’s son Eric is Trump’s Iowa campaign director.
Several leading Republicans have withdrawn their support or called for Trump to drop out of the race including governors from Tennessee and Utah.
Two Iowa Republican lawmakers, Rep. Ken Rizer and Sen. Jack Whitver pulled support over the weekend but most state party leaders have not.
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