Geoff Pender

The Clarion-Ledger

UPDATED: With comments from U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo.

Mississippi's GOP congressional delegation continues to support Donald Trump but has little to say about the candidate or his vulgar video comments about women.

"The remarks made on that video were disrespectful and indefensible, and I trust that the apology for them was sincere," U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran said in a statement Monday. "I will continue to support Republican candidates and policies that will make our country safer and stronger."

U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, who serves as chairman of the Mississippi Veterans for Trump Committee said he believes "Trump has apologized sincerely for his remarks," and that, "Our country has much bigger things to worry about than comments Donald Trump made more than a decade ago."

RELATED: From WikiLeaks: Clinton campaign took notice of Gunn on state flag

"Trump has tapped into the very real frustration many Americans feel after eight years of Barack Obama." Palazzo said. "The way the liberal media and the establishment have blown this issue out of proportion shows they will go to any length to ensure Donald Trump does not become the next president and to take attention away from their failed candidate in Hillary Clinton. Sadly, I fear some are taking the bait."

Sen. Roger Wicker, who chairs the Republican National Senate Campaign, called Trump's comments on the video "impossible to defend" and said he hopes the candidate shows "genuine remorse" but did not withdraw his support.

Rep. Gregg Harper had no comment on Trump's remarks but said he would still be voting for the Trump/Pence ticket.

Rep. Trent Kelly, through a spokesman, said, "his position has not changed," and that he continues to support Trump but declined further comment.

So far, no statewide elected Mississippi Republican has withdrawn support for Trump, although several have criticized his remarks.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, who serves as chairman of Trump's campaign in Mississippi and has been an adviser to Trump and appeared as a surrogate for the campaign in other states, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable" on Saturday but has not publicly withdrawn his support.

Republican Treasurer Lynn Fitch, who serves as chairwoman of the Mississippi Women for Trump Committee, on Saturday said she still supports Trump.

Contact Geoff Pender at 601-961-7266 or gpender@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @GeoffPender on Twitter.