GOP conference chair says Miller is "our nominee right now" despite allegations

WASHINGTON: House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain said while she hopes abuse allegations against fellow GOP Rep. Max Miller are "not true," she is supporting his reelection bid for a third term because "I will support anyone with an R behind their name.".

"At the end of the day, he's our nominee right now," the Michigan congresswoman said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan ." "I wish the allegations weren't true. "

McClain also said that "divorces are ugly," but "at the end of the day, we got to let the process play out."

"I'm focused on winning the House back, taking the House back, keeping the House because we are the only party that's actually putting more money in your pocket, making sure that crime is down, securing the border, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse," McClain said. "And Max Miller has been a good advocate for his constituents doing that."

Despite numerous Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Katie Britt, Jim Banks and John Husted, calling on Miller to drop out, GOP leadership is standing by Miller with the midterms approaching. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Aug. 31, "He's been a great member of Congress."

The abuse allegations against Miller gained attention after his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, asked a court on July 30 to issue a restraining order that would prevent Miller from contacting her lawyers. Moreno, the daughter of GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, alleged Miller verbally and physically abused her and their two-year-old daughter.

She says the Ohio congressman once threw boiling water at her, pointed a gun at her and tossed her against a wall, as well as allegedly caused a clavicle fracture and bruise on their daughter.

This Bay News report is based on originating coverage from CBS.