While the New York Primary is just under four months away, local businessman, Buffalo School Board member and former gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino is encouraging Republicans to back Donald Trump's presidential bid now.
Paladino expressed his support for Trump's campaign in an open letter to the state's Republicans, and urges party leadership to end their neutrality, especially with Democratic party leadership already backing Hillary Clinton.
When asked why GOP leadership may not be in as much of a hurry to endorse a candidate, Paladino's thoughts included his opinion that leadership is too establishment-minded.
"You're not seeing much from the party leadership," said Paladino to WBFO during an interview in his downtown Buffalo office. "Many are taking the stance that (New York State Republican Chairman) Ed Cox dictated, and that is they should remain neutral pending the primary."
Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Nick Langworthy took exception to that suggestion, telling WBFO in a phone interview that no leaders have ordered anyone to remain neutral. He added that a clearer choice will emerge by the time New York's primary arrives on April 19.
"If there still is a field, because candidates will drop out of this race, I think it will be a far more narrow field and we'll have a better picture of who is poised to be the nominee in time for that primary," Langworthy said.
Trump's candidacy has sparked controversy on numerous occasions. Paladino says Trump has no filter but that frankness is resonating with many frustrated voters.
"They have a president they just can't identify with," Paladino said. "They have all these other people that are trying to walk between the raindrops and not call it out, and not say what's on their mind."
Democratic Party leaders, including Governor Cuomo and the Erie County Democratic Committee, have already thrown their support behind Hillary Clinton. Langworthy says it's because Clinton is that party's obvious and only choice.
"She's next in line. She feels entitled after her time as Secretary of State, as First Lady and as U.S. Senator," Langworthy said.
Paladino's letter to Republicans reads as follows: "I’m writing today with best wishes to you and yours for a Merry Christmas and a Happy Year. 2016 is just about to begin — a year that is absolutely critical for the future of the United States of America. Will it be merely an election or will it be a political revolution? I am writing to ask you two very important questions: Do you support Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for President of the United States? Do you want to “Make America Great Again”?
"I am organizing Republicans across New York State to support Donald J. Trump in our April Republican Presidential Primary and onward to victory in November. Knowing your important position and stature in the GOP, I ask you to join us. I believe many Republicans across New York support Donald and he will win our primary by a landslide. While our own state Republican leadership remains “neutral,” this is the right time to take a strong stand for a candidate willing to fight for Republican principles all the way to the White House. With Hillary Clinton the likely Democratic nominee, New York Republican support is critical now. We cannot wait on the sidelines any longer.
"Donald Trump isn’t a career politician beholden to the special interests that have damaged and weakened our once great nation. He refuses to be politically correct and pander to the media and liberal elite; instead he speaks the plain truth. He supports the men and women serving in our military and understands that our national security must be our number one priority — including the security of our borders. He understands small businesses are the engine of our economy and he will work to assure a business environment friendlier to job creators.
"I invite you to be on the New York for Trump Team, which the Trump campaign will announce in the near future. Please contact me directly at [contact information redacted]. I’m eager to enlist your support as we win the New York State Republican Primary for New York’s own and the next President of the United States — Donald Trump!"
