Wow. Senator Rob Portman went right for it when commenting on the allegation, first reported by the Washinton Post, that Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore pursued a sexual relationship with more than one teenage girl, allegedly sexually assaulting one of them.

Portman’s statement, as reported by multiple outlets, including the WaPo, NBC News, and even (blech) Vox:

“I think if what we read is true, and people are on the record so I assume it is, then he should step aside.”

“I assume it is.”

That’s a stronger statement than any other, though several have stated he should step down IF it’s true, including Mitch McConnell.

To answer the question I know would be in the comments otherwise, yes, the word for the allegation is “assault.”

On a second visit, she says, he took off her shirt and pants and removed his clothes. He touched her over her bra and underpants, she says, and guided her hand to touch him over his underwear.

And also yes, it is an allegation.