Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has released a statement on the Republican race, responding directly to Donald Trump but without naming the Republican frontrunner directly.
“Republicans are going to the polls in 11 states today. There is a lot at stake. And this is the kind of moment where we should be having a serious debate about the policies needed to restore the American idea,” Ryan said.
“Instead, the conversation over the last few days has been about white supremacist groups. As you know, I try to stay out of the day-to-day ups and downs of the primary. But I’ve also said when I see something that runs counter to who we are as a party and as a country, I will speak up.
“So today I want to be very clear about something: If a person wants to be the nominee of the Republican Party, there can be no evasion and no games. They must reject any group or cause that is built on bigotry.
“This party does not prey on people’s prejudices. We appeal to their highest ideals. This is the Party of Lincoln. We believe all people are created equal in the eyes of God and our government. This is fundamental, and if someone wants to be our nominee, they must understand this. I hope this is the last time I need to speak out on this race.
“It’s time we get back to focusing on how—very specifically, how—we are going to get to solving the problems that American families are facing after seven years of Barack Obama.”
