House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers explained in a Facebook post late Wednesday why she voted for Donald Trump in Washington’s primary, despite “not exactly” casting her ballot with enthusiasm.  

“It’s essential we respect the will of the people; they should never be neglected or dismissed. In fact, their will should be revered,” she wrote in the post.  

McMorris Rodgers said she is still getting to know Trump after a “positive first meeting last week” and that she still has concerns about some of the comments he’s made about women , people with disabilities and others with different backgrounds than him.   

[Ryan, Trump Shock With Good Vibes]

“I vehemently disagree with such statements,” she wrote. “They are wrong in a presidential campaign; in our workplaces; in our homes; and anywhere else. I’ve called him out before, and I won’t be shy if he does it again because he owes it to our party and our country to treat everyone respectfully and to build an inclusive coalition.”  

However, Trump has emerged as the presumptive nominee after winning the support from millions of voters who like that he speaks his mind, “calling out the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., and talking outside the politically correct box,” McMorris Rodgers said.   

“In the months ahead, he will have to earn the presidency by demonstrating that he has the temperament for the job and plans to empower every American to pursue a future of opportunity and freedom,” she said.   

Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin has yet to offer his support to Trump , but House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California has.    

[Trump Meets With GOP Lawmakers in Washington]

On Thursday, McMorris Rodgers explained her decisions to reporters: “I had filled out my ballot and I had voted for Donald Trump and I had wanted to express what was behind that decision. … I thought it was important for people to know where I was coming from.”  

McMorris Rodgers said Trump needs to do more to unify the Republican Party after a long, competitive primary but that he’s earned the nomination.   

“He’s our presumptive nominee and I think he’s the one that can lead the change that we need in America,” she said. “And I certainly know that he’s going to do a much better job than Hillary Clinton.”  

Asked if she hopes others follow suit in endorsing Trump, she said, “It’s one of those that everyone has to make their own decision.”  

Contact McPherson at lindseymcpherson@rollcall.com and follow her on Twitter @lindsemcpherson.

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