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U.S. Sen. Rand Paul visits Grand Rapids for a "Stand with Rand" event hosted by U.S. Rep. Justin Amash on May 4, 2015 at the Kent County Republican Party Headquarters.

(MLive.com File Photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Presidential hopeful Rand Paul does not want to address controversial remarks made by fellow Republican candidate Donald Trump in recent weeks.

Paul, the libertarian-leaning U.S. Senator from Kentucky, said he has no direct comment on statements made by others. Paul spoke Thursday with MLive and The Grand Rapids Press ahead of several weekend campaign stops across Michigan, including one in Holland.

Competitor Trump's bid for the presidency has come under criticism since the very start of his campaign in mid-June when he called some Mexican immigrants "rapists."

"The Mexican Government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc.," Trump said, in part.

Along that thread, Paul was asked about Trump's comments and whether they could hurt the GOP, as some have suggested. Party Chairman Reince Priebus reportedly called Trump and told him to "tone it down."

"I don't have any direct comment on other candidates' statements," Paul said. "(But) I believe most immigrants come to this country in search of the American dream," Paul said.

He said his comment stood for itself when questioned whether he condoned Trump's language.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking, politics and transportation news for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.