WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While many in the Republican establishment are wringing their hands over the possibility of Donald Trump as the party's presidential nominee, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has argued GOP lawmakers spent years laying the groundwork for the rise of the real estate tycoon.
In remarks from the Senate floor on Wednesday, Reid described Trump as the ultimate fulfillment of the Republican Party's legacy of obstruction and resentment.
'Donald Trump is the standard bearer for the Republican Party,' Reid said. 'Republicans created him by spending seven years appealing to some of the darkest forces in America.'
He added, 'Now, it is up to Republicans to try and undo what they have done by denouncing Donald Trump. It's time for Republicans to stop the Frankenstein they created.'
Reid accused the Republican establishment of feigning outrage over Trump's inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants when the GOP has spent years telling Latinos and immigrants they are not welcome in America.
The Nevada senator suggested the establishment should not be surprised Republican voters are flocking to Trump when GOP Congressional leaders continue to support him.
'Even as the establishment condemns the things Donald Trump says and does, Republican leadership is still supporting him,' Reid said.
'The Speaker of the House yesterday affirmed that he will vote for Donald Trump if he is the Republican nominee for President,' he added. 'The Senate Republican Leader has not said he won't support Trump if he is the nominee.'
Reid's remarks came after Trump's strong showing in the Super Tuesday contests, which political observers say puts the billionaire on the verge of becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
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