SEATTLE — On a day when presidential candidate Ted Cruz was supposed to join conservative talk show host Michael Medved on his Seattle-based syndicated radio show, the Republican senator has left the race and so has Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
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"I actually think we're transitioning from the stupid party to the dangerous party. It is hard for me to imagine a situation in which I would believe that a Trump presidency would be good for this country. I think it would be a disaster," said Medved to his listeners.
Republican callers to the radio show were outspoken. "I'm not a Trump supporter. It's kind of sad the way the Republicans blew this," said one listener.
With just one man standing, Washington Republicans running for office are faced with having Donald Trump at the top of the ticket.
The silence of some Republican candidates speaks volumes. State auditor candidate Mark Miloscia and gubernatorial candidate Bill Bryant did not respond to requests for interviews.
In March, Bryant distanced himself from many of Trump’s controversial positions.
"I have a record that I can run on that demonstrates I'm not any of that," said Bryant. U.S. Senate candidate Chris Vance told KIRO 7, “Not talking, too soon. Everything is in sort of turmoil in Republican land.”
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Michael Medved said he has spoken to some Washington state Republicans about Trump.
“I have heard from both Bill Bryant and Chris Vance, personally, that it is unlikely that they will get involved supporting Donald Trump and I think that's the right decision for them," said Medved.
Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman told KIRO 7, "I've come to the conclusion I can't control any of the things happening at the national level, nor am I going to try."
Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert released a statement that said, in part, "Our democracy is the envy of the world because it is the only system that allows the people to truly pick their representatives and President. We've seen over the last several months that the person chosen isn't always who we expect.”
Michael Medved believes Trump’s influence has already hurt Republican candidates who are on the ballot with the outspoken billionaire.
"Oh, I think Republicans have already gotten a little bit dirty. This has been a disastrous primary process with a disastrous outcome," said Medved.
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