Poll: Ryan leads primary challenger by 66 points

by Jessie Hellmann - 08/05/16 9:38 AM ET

Speaker Paul Ryan is expected to dominate in his primary election on Tuesday even without the endorsement of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

{mosads}A Remington Research Group poll released Friday shows 80 percent of voters support Ryan in his Wisconsin primary, compared to 14 percent who back challenger Paul Nehlen, a conservative Trump supporter.

Trump declined this week to endorse Ryan and earlier praised Nehlen for his support.

Nehlen had said that Ryan misunderstands Trump’s immigration proposals, which would temporarily ban those from certain countries with terrorist activity from coming into the United States.

“The problem with Paul Ryan is his constant knee-jerk reactions to anything controversial Donald Trump might say without completely understanding the issue,” Nehlen’s campaign wrote on Monday. “He’s LOOKING for a way to contradict and criticize Mr. Trump because he knows the liberal press will eat it up.”

Trump responded Monday night, tweeting, “Thanks to @pnehlen for your kind words, very much appreciated.”

Trump then said Tuesday he’s “not quite there” on endorsing Ryan, adding that the country needs “very strong leadership.” The refusal drew ire from leading Republicans, including party Chairman Reince Priebus.

Nehlen also drew controversy Thursday for questioning why Muslims are allowed to live in the U.S.

“Well, then, the question is why do we have Muslims in the country,” Nehlen said in response to a question about how someone can be vetted for supporting Islamic law.

“I believe the break point is Sharia. If the Muslim is Sharia-compliant, that is in direct conflict with the U.S. Constitution. … Islam is the only major religion that encourages lying. If they lie, how do you vet something like that?” Nehlen said on AM 560’s “Morning Answer,” first reported by The Daily Beast.

When asked whether he was suggesting deporting Muslims, Nehlen responded, “I’m suggesting we have a discussion about it, that’s for sure.”

Tags Donald Trump Paul Ryan