Republicans grapple with Charleston fallout

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Good morning and welcome to your Monday trail guide. Candidates and their campaigns are starting out this week still rattled by the events of last week. The horrific massacre in a Charleston Church has spawned several new lines of debate — on gun control, flying the Confederate flag and confronting racism within the ranks, to name a few. For Republicans in particular, these are uncomfortable subjects that may carry risks of turning off some conservative white voters. This week could be the test of which candidates are willing to take that chance.

What we’re watching:

_ Sens. Rand Paul and Ted Cruz say they’re forfeiting money donated by Earl Holt III, the leader of a group that appears to have helped shape Charleston shooter Dylann Roof’s racist beliefs. The Cruz campaign will return the money, according to the Guardian, which first reported on the contributions. Paul’s RandPAC will be donating the money to victims' fund. Former Sen. Rick Santorum, who also received Holt’s cash, along with scores of GOP candidates in recent years, has not yet commented.

_ On the Democratic side, Martin O’Malley is accusing Congress of ‘white racism’ in its refusal to pass stricter gun laws.

_ President Obama will weigh in again as his interview with comedian Marc Maron, taped Friday in Los Angeles, will post later this morning.