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Rauner condemns sexual assault, but stays mum on Trump

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner condemned sexual assault "in the strongest possible way" on Thursday in light of several women's allegations that Donald Trump groped them, but the Illinois Republican still refused to answer whether he'll vote for the GOP presidential nominee.

Rauner has avoided even saying Trump's name when asked about him and has reiterated that he has not made an endorsement in the presidential race, but stops short of saying he won't vote for him.

The cautious approach comes as Illinois Republicans are working to diminish Democrats' supermajorities in the Legislature, with some contested races in conservative areas where voters are likely to favor Trump.

"I am appalled and disgusted by the statements that have come out recently in the presidential election," Rauner said Thursday, echoing remarks he made last week after a 2005 video surfaced in which Trump made lewd comments about women.

The New York Times, Palm Beach Post and People magazine all published accounts Wednesday from different women accusing Trump of sexually assaulting them. Trump repeatedly has denied the allegations.

"I will say as well that I condemn in the strongest possible way sexual assault, sexual harassment in any form," Rauner said to reporters after announcing an effort to ask the federal government for flexibility in using Medicaid dollars to better treat patients who need mental health services.

In March, when Trump was the front-runner but hadn't clinched the nomination, Rauner said he would "support the Republican Party's nominee for president." Democrats are trying to make him pay for those comments, including an ad paid for by a new political action committee run by a state senator tying Rauner and fellow Republicans to Trump.

"Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Republicans support a man for president who insults women," the ad begins, before using Rauner's March comments.

Other state Republicans have said they no longer support the GOP presidential candidate.

Illinois Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a one-time Trump backer, withdrew his support this week and called on him to step down. In August, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger said he could not support Trump. And Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, who faces a tough re-election contest in a crucial Senate race, withdrew his support for Trump several months ago.

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Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Rauner says he condemns sexual assault "in the strongest possible way" after women alleged Donald Trump groped them, but the Illinois Republican refuses to say whether he will vote for the GOP presidential nominee. Rauner did not mention Trump by name during his remarks Thursday and reiterated that he has not made an endorsement in the presidential race. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) The Associated Press
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Rauner says he condemns sexual assault "in the strongest possible way" after women alleged Donald Trump groped them, but the Illinois Republican refuses to say whether he will vote for the GOP presidential nominee. Rauner did not mention Trump by name during his remarks Thursday and reiterated that he has not made an endorsement in the presidential race. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) The Associated Press
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