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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.

Local Trump supporters say Republican Party could be big loser after Election Day

Ellen Abbott
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WRVO News File Photo
22nd Congressional District candidate Claudia Tenney (second from right) joined Trump supporters at a rally in Rome Sunday.

One of the most active Trump groups in central New York was out in full force this weekend, stumping for their candidate.

Oneida County Trump supporters carrying signs, wearing bumper stickers and waving flags got a lot of attention from passing motorists during their final rally in Rome before Election Day. It’s a group of like-minded citizens, that’s been growing organically, meeting twice a week for months. And supporters like Joseph Rezendes, who says he’s sick of career politicians, makes no apologies for supporting the controversial candidate.

"Does Trump say some stupid things? Yes, but he’s not a polished politician. That’s why. He says what we think,” said Rezendes.

These supporters expect that Hillary Clinton, with massive downstate support, will take New York state’s electoral college votes. But they continue to campaign for Trump. Some like Marcia Skinner, have traveled to New Hampshire and Pennsylvania to help Trump's cause in states that are still in play.

Credit Ellen Abbott / WRVO News
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WRVO News
Marcia Skinner is among Trump supporter who have traveled to New Hampshire and Pennsylvania to campaign for the Republican candidate

"I think we’ve made a difference. It’s been fun to make the phone calls and tell them what’s going on with WikiLeaks and everything and sway their vote.”

Regardless of who wins tomorrow, one of the big losers could be the Republican Party, which has not always come out strongly for Trump. Something Rezendes says they’ve all noticed.

“And I tell you what, after this is over, I’m done with the Republicans, to be honest with you. I mean I don’t like the Democrats, but I don’t like the Republicans. I mean they’re all crooked. It’s just unbelievable.”

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.