GOP views on presidential primary as diverse as the field

Local Republicans views on the GOP primary race are shaping up to be as diverse as the field itself, with little broad support for any one candidate.

Mark Haag said he’s been volunteering for the Ted Cruz campaign from the onset. He said he likes Cruz because he’s pro-life and for smaller government, among other things.

Haag isn’t a fan of front runner Donald Trump.

“The key that unlocks him isn’t character-worthy,” Haag said. Haag was at a GOP social last week at Sykes Grocery in Kalispell.

He was also critical of the debates and the  way they were set up by the networks. He said it was a ratings game.

“It’s important not to make a cartoon out of the election process,” Haag said.

Ron Hoye said he initially supported Dr. Ben Carson, but Carson has dropped out of the race.

Hoye said Carson was a thoughtful and intelligent candidate. Carson has since endorsed Trump. Trump’s campaign stops have been marred by protests and violence recently, as he often shoots from the hip with his comments.

Hoye said the important thing for Republicans was to get out and vote for the eventual nominee, if they want to have a shot against Hillary Clinton, who is still the favorite to win the Democratic nomination.

“The conservatives and moderates have to come together,” he noted.

Hoye’s wife, Anita, has reservations about Trump.

“I think the main thing is he appears to be undisciplined in his demeanor and manner,” she said.

She said Trump just talks about outcomes.

“We don’t hear solutions,” she said.

But Republican Mike Donohue likes Trump.

“I believe he’s the best choice,” he said. He noted Trump represents a sea change in the GOP and the party and needs to embrace him.

But the higher echelon of the GOP in Montana hasn’t endorsed Trump.

Montana Repubican Sen. Steve Daines announced he was endorsing Marco Rubio last week.

“Marco represents the next generation of conservative leadership and is a leader who will inspire and unite our country,” Daines said in a release.

But the GOP field narrowed significantly this week, with major primaries Tuesday in Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. Trump won Florida and Rubio suspended his campaign after losing his home state.

John Kasich won Ohio to stay alive in the race.