Congressional Republicans look to distance themselves from Donald Trump

“I think I prefer others who have a better grasp in my view of the challenges we face,” McCain said, adding that he will stay neutral through the duration of the primary.

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Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois said he “would have to do a lot of soul-searching” if Trump became the nominee, suggesting he’d need to separate himself from the top of the ticket. Kinzinger, a Jeb Bush supporter, said he was “very concerned” about the rhetoric from Trump and what it would mean in a general election.

“I think his tone has been bad — it’s not an inclusive tone,” said Kinzinger, a leading moderate. “Only 30-something percent, maybe of Americans identify as Republicans, which means to win a national election you have to reach out.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan said party leaders would back a Trump nomination, but he made a veiled critique at the divisive rhetoric espoused by the businessman. “We don’t want to have another President like this one who divides our country,” Ryan told reporters.

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