© 2024 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Coverage of the 2016 presidential election from NPR News and related blogs, including candidate profiles, interviews and talking points.On-air specials will also be broadcast as Election Day approaches, including the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.WRVO also provides coverage of regional elections both on-air and online.

Stefanik continues to stand behind Donald Trump

Julia Botero
/
WRVO News
U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik at New York Air Brake in Watertown

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) visited New York Air Brake in Watertown Friday on a campaign stop. She spoke about how the Import-Export bank helps U.S. manufacturers compete internationally. Stefanik helped reform the bank.

“When American workers are able to compete on a level playing field there is no other country that is manufacturing the highest quality of products that the U.S. is,” said Stefanik.  

After her brief speech, the question and answer period turned to the presidential campaign.

Standing on the factory floor, Elise Stefanik asserted what she said is her record of supporting strong foreign policy and national defense as a member of the Armed Services Committee.

Stefanik said while she disagrees with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s remarks about NATO and his calls for cooperation from Russia, she stands behind his run for the White House.

“What is key about this upcoming election is that we’ve had eight years of a failed foreign policy of President Obama. Secretary Clinton would be a continuation of four more years of that failed foreign policy," said Stefanik.

Stefanik also said she disagrees with Trump’s criticism of the Khans, a Gold Star military family, whose son was killed in Iraq. She said the sacrifices of all military families should be honored.

When pressed on whether she would support any Republican presidential nominee, regardless of their principles, she pushed back.  

“Look, I’m focused on my race. I’m a Republican; I believe in the Constitution, I believe in individual liberties, I believe in a strong national defense. I am a member of the Republican Party but I always stand up for this district and I have a record of doing so.”

Stefanik said she’ll continue to speak out when she disagrees with statements from Donald Trump.