Bentley on Feb 29.JPG

Gov. Robert Bentley criticized Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump for what the governor said was disregard for women, minorities and people with disabilities. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

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Gov. Robert Bentley today ripped Republican front-runner Donald Trump for what the governor said was Trump's disrespect for women and minorities and for declining to disavow former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke in an interview on CNN on Sunday.

Bentley made the comments at a brief press conference on the State Capitol grounds on the eve of Super Tuesday, when voters in Alabama and 11 other states head for the polls.

The governor was asked about Trump's status as the Republican front-runner.

"He would not disavow a racist, David Duke," Bentley said. "Now obviously, he must have thought that David Duke and that type of person was OK with people in Alabama and the South. Well, I want to tell you, they're not OK with us."

Trump did not denounce Duke when asked about Duke's support by CNN's Jake Tapper, saying that he did not know much about Duke or white supremacist groups.

Trump later said he had a bad earpiece for the remote interview and could not hear Tapper clearly.

Trump has a huge lead in Alabama, according to a Monmouth University poll released today.

Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions has endorsed Trump, who campaigned in Huntsville on Sunday.

Bentley, despite his criticism of Trump, said he would support the Republican nominee in November, even if it is Trump.

Bentley reiterated his support for Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Bentley had endorsed Kasich in August.

"John Kasich is really the only grownup in the room. He is the only one who has a true plan for this country," Bentley said.

Bentley said Kasich's experience in working on a balanced budget while in Congress and as the chief executive in Ohio will prepare him for the White House.

"If you're in Congress you vote and give speeches," Bentley said. "But governors have to make decisions every day and presidents have to make decisions every day.

"We need someone who has the experience, and the demeanor, to be the president of the United States."