Rep. Dana Rohrabacher drew criticism from other Republicans for comments he made to a reporter about Russia's human rights abuses.
The California Republican told a reporter from the former Soviet Union country of Moldova that accusations of Russian human rights abuses were "baloney."
"There's a lunatic fringe in every organization," fellow Republican Sen. John McCain said of Rohrabacher, according to the Washington Examiner.
"Those don't represent my views," said Sen. Jeff Flake.
When asked whether his comments were enough to get Rohrabacher voted down if he's nominated, Flake replied: "After those kind of comments, that's — let's just say, that's not where we are."
The Examiner notes Russian President Vladimir Putin's government has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, such as deaths of journalists who had been critical of the Russian government.
The 2016 Human Rights Watch's 2016 report said the Russian government "further intensified harassment and persecution of independent critics."
Rohrabacher has been an advocate for better relations with Russia, and promoted himself as a potential pick for secretary of State, according to USA Today.
The Examiner notes Rohrabacher's comments could hurt his chances at gaining the job.
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