Rebecca Cook/Reuters
Donald Trump criticized Republicans in Virginia on Sunday for their proposal to ask 2016 primary voters to sign a statement pledging loyalty to the party. The Republican frontrunner denounced the plan on Twitter, saying that the oath could discourage independent and first-time voters from casting ballots. “It begins, Republican Party of Virginia, controlled by the RNC, is working hard to disallow independent, unaffiliated and new voters. BAD!” Trump tweeted. The Virginia GOP declined to respond. The executive committee voted to require the pledge in the state’s March 1 primary. The statement reads, “My signature below indicates that I am Republican.” Some experts believe a loyalty pledge could be detrimental to Trump, who has attracted voters who may not align with the GOP’s traditional party politics.