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Senators Want Golf Tournament Moved Away From Trump National In N.J.

BEDMINSTER, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Three U.S. Senators, all Democrats, have launched a push for a major golf tournament to be moved away from a New Jersey golf course owned by Donald Trump.

As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said even though the election will be long over by the time the 2017 Women's Open is played, it is about sending a message.

"How inappropriate for a women's professional golf showcase event to be at a golf course bearing the name and support and symbolically embodying a man who has demeaned and disrespected women," Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal has launched the push to move the tournament away from Trump National in Bedminster along with Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) They issued a letter on Monday.

The senators called on USGA executive director Mike Davis to consider suspending further events at properties owned by the Republican presidential candidate because of what they describe as a ``pattern of degrading and dehumanizing women'' over decades.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) said he is with his colleagues who wrote the letter, but only if the tournament stays in New Jersey. He said people depend on jobs connected to the event.

Blumenthal replied, "Fine with me, as long as it's not at a Trump golf course."

There was no comment late Tuesday from the Trump campaign. The USGA said it does not share Trump's views, but its focus is on conducting an excellent championship.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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