Trump's wild claims test limits of Republican loyalty

WASHINGTON - President Trump responded to the new vote totals showing Pennsylvania and Georgia flipping in favor of Joe Biden Friday.

The President tweeted, "Joe Biden should not wrongfully claim the office of the President. I could make that claim also. Legal proceedings are just now beginning!"

Since election night, the President repeatedly has claimed Democrats are trying to steal the election through fraud, a yet unproven accusation that has prompted a split among Republicans.

His fiercest supporters echoed the claim.

"President Trump won this election so everyone who is listening do not be quiet, do not be silent about this. We cannot allow this to happen before our very eyes," said Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, California.

“I am more than a little frustrated that every time they close the doors and shut out the lights, they always find more Democratic votes," said Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham is another staunch supporter of the President.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he departs the White House in Washington, DC on September 30, 2020. (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

"I'm here tonight to stand with President Trump. He stood with me. He's the reason we're going to have a Senate majority," said Graham.

Strong, public criticism came from other Republicans.

"He made very, very serious allegations without any evidence to support it. If it's happened, then the evidence needs to come out," said Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

"I think the President should turn this discussion over to his lawyers and if they have a case to make there's a process where they make that. And that process is timely," Missouri Senator Roy Blunt said Friday.

Republicans have sent lawyers to the remaining states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona where ballot-counting continues in races that have been too close for most news agencies to call.

"We will not give up on this process until every last issue has been resolved," said Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee Chairwoman at a news conference.

Some Republicans say any election might have irregularities that should be investigated, but they aren't sure it rises to conspiracy in this case.

"I think these instances can happen anywhere in the country from either party," said Jonathan Madison, an attorney who serves as the California Republican Party's Bay Area Vice-Chair.

"I just think they need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. They have to be evaluated intentionally and thoroughly. So, I don't know that I can completely agree with the President that it's just a conspiracy to steal the election," said Madison.

Many Republicans are saying they want to wait to see any evidence.

"I support their fight for the votes. They really should fight for it," said Hugh Bussell, the Alameda County Republican Party Chair.

I'm hopeful he will win, and he will still be our President next year, but either way, I think the showing has been great," said Bussell, "I think we'll go on as a stronger party no matter what happens as a result of this election."

Both the Trump campaign and Biden campaign sent out fundraising emails Friday calling for donations to help with any legal battles over the election.

Jana Katsuyama is a reporter for KTVU.  Email Jana at jana.katsuyama@foxtv.com and follow her on Twitter @JanaKTVU or Facebook @NewsJana.