Donald Trump's presidential campaign got its first endorsement Wednesday from a sitting member of Congress and that congressman represents parts of Western New York.
In a statement, Clarence Republican Rep. Chris Collins says Trump has both "the guts and the fortitude" to bring jobs back from China and take on enemies like ISIS, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
Speaking to WBFO, Collins said the nation needs a "chief executive," rather than a "chief politician" to move forward.
"I'm proud to support Donald Trump, our next president, who will get our jobs back from China, which has stolen our jobs, manipulated currency, ignored labor laws and stolen our intellectual property," Collins said. "He'll stand firm on the international front."
Citing his and Trump's private sector backgrounds, Collins goes on to says Trump would be willing to make tough decisions and grow the nation's economy. He says Trump's business expertise will be beneficial in dealing with what he calls "daunting fiscal issues."
Collins had previously thrown his support behind Jeb Bush's presidential bid, but Bush suspended his campaign last weekend after finishing fourth in the South Carolina primary. Collins revealed to WBFO that as Bush's campaign stalled, he quietly drew closer to Trump's campaign but, out of respect for the former Florida governor, waited for Bush to end his campaign before publicly announcing his endorsement.
WBFO asked Collins whether Trump's influence in downstate New York might give Republicans a better chance to win a state that has traditionally been a Democratic prize.
"I don't think it'll be the swing state, because I think Donald Trump's going to win in a landslide, but New York State would certainly be the icing on the cake," Collins said.