Unconventional presidential candidate Donald Trump is a "net positive" for his party, says Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus.
In an appearance on a the Milwaukee television program
"Up Front," Priebus touted Trump's ability to bring 30 million viewers to the first GOP debate – a record for either party.
"I think it brings a lot of interest to the Republican field," Priebus said. "When you have 30 million people watching, not to mention the fact that we have 16 other incredible candidates out there, I think we are showing America that we are the young, diverse party, offering a whole slew of options for people, and that's a good thing."
Priebus, who as chairman takes no sides during the party's primary season, has told Trump privately to
tone down his anti-immigration rhetoric early on, though he has not said anything negative about the front-runner publicly.
Priebus seemed OK with some of the hits Trump and his opponents have given each other so far, though he said it shouldn't get out of hand.
"Allow for some elbows, allow for some jabs, but make sure that we don't get a primary that starts living in the mud," Priebus said.
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