Republican leaders in Ohio’s 4th District are sticking by Rep. Jim Jordan amid allegations that he did not report sexual abuse while an assistant wrestling coach.

Matt Gilmore, chairman of the Mercer County Republican Party, said the allegations did not affect his opinion of Jordan and said as a lawyer, there is no way he would take the case of the accusers.

Seven former wrestlers at Ohio State University accused Jordan of knowing that team doctor Richard Strauss sexually abused athletes.

“This is not an anti-victim statement,” Gilmore said, adding that Strauss’ 2005 death was ruled a suicide. “Why is this a story? Why is Jim Jordan a part of the story? It’s because he’s a congressman.”

Helen Hurst, chairwoman of the Lorain County Republican Party, said Jordan was a “fine, upstanding man.”