Democratic Party activists in some US states are using Donald Trump, the Republican presidential hopeful who has stirred controversy with his comments about illegal immigrants and women, as the center
Democratic Party activists in some US states are using Donald Trump, the Republican presidential hopeful who has stirred controversy with his comments about illegal immigrants and women, as the centerpiece of their “get out the vote” campaign for the November elections.
In California, canvassers from the Orange County Democrats carry pictures of Mr Trump when they knock on doors ahead of the June 7 California primary. They ask if people will vote in the primary, and warn that if they don’t help pick the strongest possible Democrat, “this guy will win,” said Henry Vandermeir, the local party chairperson in Orange County, a traditionally Republican island in the state.
Democrats in New Hampshire have unveiled Trump/Sununu lawn signs, looking to tie Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Sununu to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on issues such as climate change (Mr Trump is a sceptic) and healthcare.
One sign reads: “Trump/Sununu. Because Health Care Is For Losers,” a swipe at Mr Trump’s vow to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law.
“Every state party is trying to maximise what they can get out of this difference (between candidates) and to tie Trump to the Republicans in the state,” said Holly Shulman, a spokesperson for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
Republicans appear likely to use Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination who is also a polarising figure, in a similar fashion.
“There is no better volunteer recruitment tool, fundraising pitch, or unifier for the Republican Party than the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency that will surely take us further backwards,” the Republican National Committee said in a statement.
