Campaign Holds Rally At Warsaw GOP HeadquartersDonald Trump’s top Indiana lieutenants sounded optimistic about the presidential campaign during a rally in downtown Warsaw Monday, but two local Republican leaders were far less enthusiastic. Trump’s Indiana chairman, Rex Early, as well as Tony Samuel, the vice chair and communications director, stopped in Warsaw Monday following visits to Kokomo, Granger and Goshen in what they are calling the “Early For Trump” tour, saying they want Indiana to be the first state on election night to be declared a winner for Trump. Both were upbeat as they talked to nearly 50 people – many wearing Trump hats, shirts and pins – at the GOP campaign headquarters at 103 E. Center St. Early, the former state party chairman, predicted that Trump will win Indiana handily, but said a strong turnout is needed to boost the chances of Republican Senate candidate Todd Young and gubernatorial candidate Eric Holcomb. Early says Trump’s message has spurred a movement. “You can feel it. People out there are scared. They’re worried. I’ve got eight grandchildren and the only reason I’m doing this, is I want our country to go back like when we were young.” Early said, coaxing a few “amens” from the crowd. Samuel said Trump is now more focused on issues, which was evident during the first presidential debate when he focused on trade issues and jobs. “I think he’s going to do well in the next two debates,” Samuel said. “Polls are moving in his direction. With these policy positions that have been coming out in a more comprehensive fashion, that’s when the numbers started to change.” “The tide has turned and it’s going to continue to, but we need everyone’s help,” he said. Samuel also predicted a “knockout” for Trump’s vice presidential nominee, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, when he faces Democrat Tim Kaine in a vice presidential debate set for tonight. Monday’s rally follows a politically tumultuous week of controversies involving Trump that spilled into Monday with new attention directed at his tax returns, his comments on PTSD and even a cease-and-desist order handed down against Trump’s foundation. While none of that came up for discussion, some frustrations were evident. In what may be the most openly critical comments in a long time from party leaders about a presidential nominee just weeks before election day, two Republicans made it clear they are not entirely pleased with Trump. Jean Northenor, the former longtime county party chairwoman – while standing alongside Early – gave a quick assessment after being introduced. “Trump’s our guy, but like I just told Rex, sometimes I just wish he would shut up,” Northenor said. Dave Wolkins, a Winona Lake state lawmaker for more than two dozen years, spoke moments later to the crowd and expressed concerns while offering reasons to support the real estate mogul and reality TV star. Wolkins encouraged people to look past the messenger and focus on the message and then listed off a dozen issues ranging from immigration and homeland security to gun rights and lower taxes that Trump supports. He referenced the fact some Republicans are inclined not to vote for Trump. “Hold your nose and get out there,” Wolkins said. “He’s going to be a good president and we need to support him all the way.” Nobody challenged the criticisms and some even laughed at Northenor’s suggestion. Meanwhile, one theme that resonates with many at the rally was the opposition to Clinton and concerns about future Supreme Court choices. Northenor and Wolkins both said voters need to consider the impact Clinton could have on the Supreme Court. “She will have an aggressive pro-active Supreme Court that will not interpret the laws, they will make the laws and we will lose all sorts of rights if she gets it.” Republicans also praised Pence for his work in helping balancing the ticket. Many local Republicans are pleased that the presidential ticket includes a conservative from Indiana. “I think he’s doing very good. There’s no question he and Donald differ on a number of issues,” Wolkins said. “Mike has been able to give an explanation to what Donald is attempting to say and attempting to do. He’s having to do a lot of explaining.” The GOP office is open daily and has a full stock of campaign signs available for various candidates, including Trump, but those signs will cost $3, according to county chairman Mike Ragan. A free, 25-minute video of the rally is available on the Times-Union website at www.timesuniononline.com.
