Most, But Not All, Colorado Republican Leaders Now Plan To Rally Around Trump
DENVER (CBS4) - With John Kasich and Ted Cruz out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, national Republican party leaders are saying it's time to unite behind Donald Trump.
The race for the nomination became so bitter at times that many political experts wonder if that will happen.
CBS4's Shaun Boyd asked Republican lawmakers at Colorado's capitol if they are now pledging their support for the presumptive GOP nominee. Most said they are, but not all.
Sen. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango) told CBS4 she isn't sure where she'll throw her support.
"I'm in the process of trying to figure out 'What next?'" Roberts said.
"I don't think anybody quite thought we'd be here today where Mr. Trump would seem to be the presumptive nominee."
Senate President Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs) said he's hopeful more people now support Trump's run now that he's the only Republican candidate still in the race.
"Maybe you could say it's an acquired taste," Cadman said. "Trump is an acquired taste and I would just obviously hope from the Republican party standpoint that more people acquire a taste for Trump."
Ted Cruz won all of Colorado's Republican delegates a few weeks ago. Now those delegates are unbound. Whether they now back Trump may depend in part on who he chooses for his running mate.
"I'd be trying to get Condoleezza Rice," said Sen. Randy Baumgardner (R-Hot Sulphur Springs).
"In my opinion it should be Susana Martinez, the governor of New Mexico," said Sen. John Cooke (R-Weld County).
"It's challenging to think of a good running mate for Donald Trump just because he seems to be all about him," Roberts said.
Lawmakers disagreed on whether Trump would affect other races in Colorado. While there's speculation about a third party candidate, raising money to run a viable campaign, they admit, would be tough.
