Orleans Republican and Democrat leaders give last-second pitch for their presidential candidates
Photo: Trump campaign
With Election Day only hours away, the leaders of the Orleans County Republican Party and Democratic Party both said they are solidly behind their presidential candidates.
Ed Morgan, chairman of the Orleans GOP, said Donald Trump has shown he is a leader who can inspire people. Trump has been running as an outsider to the political establishment, vowing to end corruption in Washington and put America first.
That message resonated with the public as Trump trounced Republican rivals in the primaries.
“I believe he is needed to strengthen our country,” Morgan said today. “With our opponent, it’s the same old, same old.”
Morgan has met Trump a few times before and will be in New York City tomorrow at Trump’s election headquarters, which Morgan said is “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Trump, the real estate mogul and reality television star, has proven track record of success around the country and world, Morgan said.
“He will surround himself with the best people,” Morgan said.
The “best people” will include women. Morgan said Trump has shown with his businesses that he has women in upper management and pays them well. Morgan said criticism of Trump for mistreating women is off base.
“I support him wholeheartedly,” Morgan said. “I hope and pray for the best tomorrow. The other party isn’t offering anything new.”
Morgan also wants Trump because he would appoint conservative Supreme Court justices.
“I understand the times change, but the principles of the Founding Fathers does not,” Morgan said. “Appointing Supreme Court justices is one of the biggest issues the next president will face.”
Photo: Clinton campaign
Jeanne Crane, the chairwoman of the Democratic Party, said Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate, who will strive to represent everyone.
Clinton has served as First Lady, U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State.
“I’ve always been impressed by what she has done,” Crane said. “She has carried on through adversity.”
Crane has met Clinton when she was First Lady, and also when she was senator. Crane recalls Clinton stopping at Hurd Orchards in Holley in a meeting with local farmers.
“When you speak with her, she looks right at you,” Crane said. “She’s not looking around the room. She wants to hear what you have to say.”
Crane said Clinton’s detractors have overstated her flaws.
“All of these accusations are a lot of hype and a lot of talk,” Crane said.
She worries if Trump was elected to the highest office in the country.
“I understand people want change, but Trump doesn’t seem stable,” Crane said. “He doesn’t stay calm and carry on. He also doesn’t stick to a plan. He really hasn’t said what he would do. He hasn’t come out with anything concrete except to say he would build a wall.”
Crane said she has never liked Trump, even when he was the star of the show, The Apprentice.
“I never watched the show because I didn’t like how he treated people,” Crane said. “He was so insulting.”
