Nathan Howard / Getty Images A Republican Senate hopeful backed by President Donald Trump is facing backlash in his own party after he was accused of helping a convicted child sex offender get leadership roles. But Trump has only doubled down amid the growing scandal, declaring Monday that the beleaguered candidate will be “fantastic” and “one of the best.” His glowing testimonial for North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley came shortly after the Daily Beast emailed the White House seeking comment on the controversy, and whether it might be an issue for the president. Read more at The Daily Beast.