Donald Trump's decision to not appear at Thursday's GOP debate in Iowa isn't likely to hurt his surprising popularity. Erie County Republican Party Chair Nick Langworthy says Trump's propensity to speak his mind is resonating with voters, including a growing number in the Buffalo area.
Langworthy joined WBFO this morning for analysis of Thursday night's debate. The discussion revolved around the candidate who did not appear in the event, Donald Trump.
"We're in for a very historic night in Iowa," predicted Langworthy as he offered perspective on Trump's campaign tactics.
"It defies all the political professionals' common practices. This has never been done before."
Langworthy is curious to see Trump's filings with the Federal Elections Commission, anticipating that the candidate has spent little money in generating widespread attention.
Noting his "uncanny ability to draw media attention," Langworthy sees Trump's support emerging from some surprising sectors.
"There's a growing energy for Donald Trump and his campaign. We're getting calls at headquarters," Langworthy shared.
"There is certainly people that are enthused by his campaign and maybe people that haven't been involved in the political process before are being drawn in."
There appears to be a three-candidate race emerging from the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
"Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and, perhaps, Marco Rubio," though Langworthy believes Rubio will need a strong early showing to remain a viable alternative.
"Ted Cruz has had a rough, rough two weeks because he's now feeling the effects of being a front runner," Langworthy observed.
"Having the Governor of Iowa say, 'I don't care who you vote for, just don't vote for Ted Cruz.' That's a devastating body blow for Ted Cruz's campaign."
Langworthy shared the frustrations of local Republicans over the late date of the New York Primary in selecting its choice in the GOP race. In an effort to channel some of the current enthusiasm, the local party has organized the Erie County Republican Presidential straw poll for Saturday, February 13th.
Langworthy calls it a "great party-building exercise."
