Trump to rally with candidate accused of sexual assault

• 

Former US President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak at a rally in support of a political candidate accused of sexually abusing eight women, including a state legislator, on Friday.

Charles Herbster, a 67-year-old multimillionaire cattle-breeding executive, has rejected the charges, but he is facing criticism from conservatives in Nebraska, where he is running for governor.

State senator Julie Slama told the Nebraska Examiner two weeks ago that Herbster sexually harassed her during an event in 2019, while seven women filed anonymous misconduct allegations.

"I am not seeking media attention or any other gain. I simply was not going to lie and say it did not occur," Slama said in a statement, adding that she was 22 at the time.

Herbster, who made his wealth selling bull sperm, was hailed as a "special guest speaker" by organizers of Trump's "Save America" rally at a racetrack outside Omaha.

Trump knew

According to Politico, Trump's aides notified him of the charges earlier this month, but the Republican leader doubled down, urging Herbster to fight back.

The agriculture CEO has characterized the incident as a "smear campaign" akin to efforts to undermine Trump, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by over two dozen women.

"Charles will continue to fight to expose politically-motivated lies, to clear his good name, and to focus on the issues that he will tackle as the next governor of Nebraska," spokeswoman Ellen Keast said in a statement.

'Basic human decency' 

Herbster, multimillionaire pig farmer Jim Pillen, and state senator Brett Lindstrom are vying for the Republican nomination in Nebraska on May 10.

Trump's endorsement of Herbster, a wealthy fundraiser, in October enraged much of the Republican establishment in the state Trump won by 20 points in 2020.

Herbster is aiming to succeed Pete Ricketts, the heir of a prominent Republican clan that owns the Chicago Cubs. Herbster is an unwavering supporter who attended Trump's 2015 campaign launch and the rally prior to the 2021 US Capitol assault.

The departing governor, who attempted to persuade Trump not to appoint Herbster, said Monday that the candidate should apologize to his accusers, withdraw from the campaign, and "get assistance".

Frustration is growing on the right over the endorsements, which frequently appear to be motivated by the candidates' celebrity rather than their conservative credentials.

Trump's endorsements of "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance in Ohio and celebrity surgeon Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania demonstrate his willingness to confront the establishment, which frequently pits him against his own supporters.

And, while Trump's popularity among the hardliners who comprise his core support appears to be unaffected, his endorsements may no longer be the panacea they once were.

Vance's popularity has risen, but he is still trailing a former US Treasury official, while Georgia gubernatorial opponent David Perdue has fallen from seven to 25 points behind Trump since his endorsement in February.

According to a recent Politico/Morning Consult poll, two-thirds of Republicans nationwide consider sexual misconduct allegations to be a "serious concern" for any candidate.

"Charles Herbster's behavior is completely unacceptable for anyone, especially someone seeking a public office of authority and trust."