Lewd comments made by Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump in a leaked 2005 video are drawing sharp criticism from Western New York leaders on both sides of the political aisle.
Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner and Republican Congressman Tom Reed condemned comments made by Mr. Trump during a hot-microphone recording from 2005, in which the Republican Nominee used explicit language and described forcing himself on women.
Zellner called the comments, "the latest horrific example of a person who is unfit for not only the Presidency of the United States, but for any public office." He is calling on Mr. Trump's supporters to denounce the comments and reconsider their support of his candidacy for President.
Corning Republican Congressman Tom Reed said, "Women are never to be talked about in this way. As someone with eight older sisters, a wife and daughter I deeply care about, it is disappointing and offensive to hear these words. It is not right and these comments must be called out for what they are, just wrong."
Zellner said he is not surprised that Reed joined him in condemning the comments.
"Frankly this should have happened a long time ago," said Zellner. "And for any republican to stand by his side now is bad.”
Zellner isn’t the only person in the political landscape seeking trump’s resignation from his presidential bid. According to an NPR report, 22 prominent republicans are joining the call, too.
But despite an out-of-the-ordinary presidential campaign season, stepping down from a campaign just one month before election day may not be realistic.
“At the very least, I think [Mr. Trump] needs to take a look in the mirror and really examine the comments that he has made. He refuses to do that," said Zellner. "It’s going to be up to the voters to decide whether he is fit for the presidency.”
WBFO has reached out for comment from Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Nick Langworthy and Republican Congressman Chris Collins. Comments are also expected from Democratic New York State Lieutenant Governor Cathy Hochul.
Check back for updates on this story.
