Will Republican women still support Donald Trump following the publication of a 2005 recording of Trump demeaning women in grotesque ways?

Trump was quoted as saying: “I’m automatically attracted to beautiful women — I just start kissing them, it’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything,” Trump said. “Grab ‘em by the (expletive).” That expletive is one this newspaper won’t publish, and it’s shocking that any man would be that crude and inappropriate.

The excuse that it’s just “locker room talk” is laughable. No respectable man with a shred of decency demeans women in this manner, regardless of the situation.

What he is bragging about doing is arguably sexual assault.

The reaction from fellow Republicans was swift.

His own running mate, Mike Pence, had this to say: “I do not condone his remarks and cannot defend them.”

Others followed suit. Sen. John McCain said Saturday he won’t vote for Trump.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves released this statement: Donald Trump’s “remarks on video are reprehensible and outside the bounds of decency.  I hope his apology is sincere.”

Trump eventually apologized for the remarks, but not without also taking a dig at his opponent. With Trump, even an apology becomes an attack.

So will his female supporters stick with him? Will Rep. Becky Currie, who was a Trump delegate, continue to support him? What about Sen. Sally Doty?

Both women have authored and supported legislation that specifically benefits women. They have both been strong women leaders and have shown that women, though in the minority in the state Legislature, can be just as effective as their male counterparts.

Will they now ignore Trump’s remarks and continue to blindly support him? Or will they show the next generation of women leaders that comments like those are unacceptable, especially from the man hoping to be president?