Republican chairman denounces Iowa Rep. Steve King's racist comments

Rep. Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), tweeted today: "Congressman Steve King’s recent comments, actions, and retweets are completely inappropriate. We must stand up against white supremacy and hate in all forms, and I strongly condemn this behavior."

Why it matters: The Republican Party has previously looked past King's racist comments, and Stivers' tweet is a surprising departure from that — especially one week before the midterm elections when recent polls show King is leading by just one point and the Cook Political Report shifted his race from "likely" to "lean" Republican.

Go deeper: Land O'Lakes will no longer donate to Rep. Steve King.