© 2024 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Coverage of the 2016 presidential election from NPR News and related blogs, including candidate profiles, interviews and talking points.On-air specials will also be broadcast as Election Day approaches, including the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.WRVO also provides coverage of regional elections both on-air and online.

Central NY Republicans excited about Trump

Tom Magnarelli
/
WRVO News File Photo
GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Rome, NY in April.

Some central New York Republican officials say there’s a little more excitement at their annual clambake this year, because of presumptive GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump.

Every year Republicans from central New York gather at Hinerwadels Grove in North Syracuse to eat clams and talk politics. And presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump was at the center of many conversations.

Onondaga County GOP Chair Tom Dadey says he’s seen more excitement locally about Trump than any other Republican candidate in years.

“Our attendance at this event is up because of Donald Trump," said Dadey.

And many of these Trump supporters are new to organized politics, like Michelle Delong of Eastwood.

"I’ve been very excited, I’ve never voted for someone I’ve been so proud of, that really cares about our country, somebody that’s going to do the job right, 100 percent,” said Delong.

Dadey, who’s a co-chair of Trump’s New York campaign, expects even more Republicans to coalesce around Trump now that he has the endorsement of the top Republican in the House of Representatives.

"I think it’s the beginning of other republicans in Congress getting on board and supporting Donald Trump. Their leader, Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House, has decided to support Donald Trump, and now I think you’ll see other folks follow his lead and get on board,” said Dadey.

One congressional Republican who hasn’t gotten on board, is Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus). In a written statement on the matter last month, Katko said, any candidate has to earn his vote, and he was concerned with some of the comments Trump has made and with the general tone he’s taken. Katko wouldn’t comment on the news of Ryan’s endorsement at the Republican gathering yesterday.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.