Sanders, Kasich & Trump Holding Rallies In Youngstown Ahead Of Crucial Ohio Primary
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (KDKA) - Ohio holds its winner-take-all primary on Tuesday and it could be make-or-break for several candidates.
On Monday morning, both Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Bernie Sanders held rallies in Youngstown. Donald Trump was the focus during the evening hours in the aftermath of protests and altercations disrupting his recent rallies in other states.
Sen. Sanders wants to repeat his Michigan upset over Hillary Clinton and says Mahoning Valley - once a great manufacturing center - is just the place to do that.
Several thousand supporters enthusiastically greeted Sen. Sanders at Monday's rally, including people from Pittsburgh.
"I'm a little worried about the direction of this country. I think we have a lot of things we can change, and I feel this is the first time in my life I've had a politician that seems honest enough to do it," said Jim Rhodes of Aliquippa.
KDKA's Jon Delano reports from the Sen. Sanders rally:
Sen. Sanders said with people's help, his campaign has surged – having won nine states already.
He said the working people of Ohio have suffered under unfair trade policies and are forced to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
"All over this country, here in Ohio, in my state of Vermont, we got folks - working people - that aren't working one job, they're working two jobs, they're working three jobs… trying to cobble together income and some healthcare," Sen. Sanders said.
The Democratic race is very close with a poll Monday morning suggesting Clinton holds a 51-46 percent lead over Sen. Sanders.
KDKA's Jon Delano reports from the Sen. Sanders rally:
That's why the group "'Burghers for Bernie" as been following the senator around the country. The group is made up of Pittsburghers who not only support Sen. Sanders for president, but also travel state-to-state to help the Vermont senator win.
"We're pushing for him in Pittsburgh, we're pushing for him here in Ohio, we were out in Michigan last week," said Mark Brown of the South Side.
"We were in Michigan last week and we flipped that state, so we're hoping to do the same thing in Ohio," added Greg Schaffer, of Squirrel Hill. "I think he's going to do really well here and also Illinois."
As for the Republican candidates, Trump held a peaceful rally in Boca Raton, Florida, on Sunday. His rally in Youngstown started just before 7 p.m., and he was accompanied by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Those at the rally didn't seemed too concerned about the recent violence at his rallies in other states.
"You'll have that. Whatever," said Bob Nimmo, of New Castle. "I was a Democrat, but I had to switch because Hillary should be in jail and the other guy is a glorified Communist."
Trump was back in Ohio a day ahead of the primary because Gov. Kasich has closed the gap with him.
KDKA's David Highfield reports from the Trump rally:
It wasn't just Ohioans at the rally though; some western Pennsylvanians came out, too.
"I voted Democrat in the past, but they seem like they're moving so far left that I just need a change," said Ned Rachuba, of Emlenton, Pennsylvania.
"I think the people are sick of a politician and the politically correct, and that's what I like about Trump," said Eric Moscipan, of New Castle. "He's not afraid of what needs to be said. This country's gone backwards and we need to take a step in the right direction."
But not everyone at the rally was a Trump supporter.
"I thought he was very charismatic," said Jesse, of Meadville, Pennsylvania. "I think he didn't really say a lot, there was a lot of chanting I thought about weird things."
A recent poll has Trump and Kasich virtually tied in Ohio.
Trump Arrives In Ohio:
Kasich also campaigned in Youngstown Monday morning and is hoping to rack up last-minute votes. He talked about issues like health care, the national debt and small business, and then took questions from the audience.
"We cannot put silly regulations or excessive regulations on small business and crush them. Because when we crush them, do you know who we're hurting? Us," Kasich said.
Ohio is a must-win for Kasich, who has yet to win a primary or caucus.
"I have run this entire campaign in a very positive way," he said at Monday morning's rally. "I'm not gonna take the low road to the highest office in the land. I need your support tomorrow, give me a chance to lead this country."
Gov. Kasich is also getting some support from former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. The two are campaigning together in North Canton and Westerville.
Romney has not endorsed Kasich, but this is part of his efforts to stop Trump from clinching the party's nomination.
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