GOP, Democrats react to Trump on accepting election outcome

By The Associated Press

Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly rejected Republican Donald Trump’s comments that he might not accept the results of the presidential election. Trump, who has said the process could be rigged, dug in Thursday, promising to fully accept the outcome “if I win.”

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“Voters have every right to be vigilant in looking out for fraud, but I have confidence in the state and county officials here in South Dakota to do everything they can to ensure our elections are fair. The American electoral process is the cornerstone of our democracy. Suggesting otherwise undermines an electoral system that is a model for nations around the world.” — South Dakota Sen. John Thune, No. 3 Republican in the Senate.

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“Since the end of George Washington’s presidency in 1797, our nation has peacefully and smoothly transitioned power from one president to the next — it is one of the hallmarks of our democracy. Only someone as delusional as Donald Trump would believe he is the exception to this rule.” — Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.

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“The voters are going to decide this election, and Donald Trump needs to accept the outcome. If there are reports that need to be investigated, they will be, as I used to do as attorney general.” — Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.

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“I think some of the comments from Donald Trump about these election results are worse than unfortunate – it’s irresponsible. The fact is, for 240 years, we’ve had the greatest republic in the history of the world. And part of the reason we’ve had such a great republic is because the American people have known that our elections have legitimacy. They may not be absolutely perfect in all respects at all times, but there’s integrity and they are legitimate. And it’s absolutely essential that all candidates acknowledge that and accept the results.” — Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa.

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“Ron believes we need to respect the results on Election Day.” — Brian Reisinger, spokesman for Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.

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“The sanctity of the ballot box is critical to our democracy. I have full faith in (Ohio) Secretary of State Jon Husted and our county boards of elections to ensure the integrity of the election.” — Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio

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“I have faith in the system. I particularly have faith in the diversity of the system all over the country.” — Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

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“I didn’t like the outcome of the 2008 election. But I had a duty to concede, and I did so without reluctance. A concession isn’t just an exercise in graciousness. It is an act of respect for the will of the American people, a respect that is every American leader’s first responsibility.” — Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

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“I will accept it if and when I’m satisfied that fraud did not determine the outcome,” Republican Wendy Long, challenger to Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

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“Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity.” — AshLee Strong, spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., reissuing a comment from Saturday after Trump had suggested the election may be rigged.

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“He typically only comments on the Senate and not the presidential race.” — Don Stewart, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

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“Silence is complicity. Evasion is unacceptable. Speaker Ryan and Senator McConnell must make it unequivocally clear that they reject Trump’s horrifying attack on our elections.” — House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

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