Transcript for Blankenship: I'm 'probably the most honest person that ever ran for office'

Next, to the somewhat startling words coming out of the Republican primary in west Virginia today. A controversial candidate making a play for a senate seat there. Don Blankenship, a former coal mining executive, who calls himself trumpier than trump. You'll remember that coal mine disaster, and tonight, Blankenship says it was obvious that the upper big branch explosion was caused by the government. Here's ABC's Mary Bruce. Reporter: The GOP senate candidate is so controversial, that tonight, his own party is telling voters not to support him. I'm neither despicable or a moron or a bigot. Reporter: President trump is comparing don Blankenship to the failed Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore, tweeting Blankenship "Can't win the general election in your state, no way! Remember Alabama." Blankenship responded, saying he's "Trumpier than trump," but that sometimes the president gets it wrong. The coal baron just served a year in prison, after 29 people died in a 2010 explosion in one of his mines. But today, he blamed the government. It's as obvious as can be that the upper big branch explosion was caused by the government. Reporter: Blankenship's latest ad sparked outrage with this racial remark about the family of Mitch Mcconnell's wife, transportation secretary Elaine Chao. Swamp captain Mitch Mcconnell has created millions of jobs for China people. Reporter: He told us recently he's misunderstood. What do you want people to know about you? I'm probably the most honest person that ever ran for office. ABC's Mary Bruce with us live from Washington, after that interview. And Mary, despite the president's tweet today, against Blankenship, he tonight insisting that he supports the president's agenda? Reporter: Yeah, David, in this tight race,blankenship has been embracing the president. He said that trump is being misinformed by the Washington establishment, who says doesn't want him to win, because he'll help promote the president's agenda. David? Mary Bruce, thank you.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.