Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Commissioner race: Challstrom says government unfriendly to business ... Commissioner race: Strosser cites strong public service ... Commissioner race: Breidenthal says his experience will pay off ... Commissioner race: Challstrom says government unfriendly to business ... Commissioner race: Strosser cites strong public service ... Commissioner race: Breidenthal says his experience will pay off ... PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Kasich pending visit doesn't make much of an impression Today's Kasich campaign stop in Medford draws shrugs, rebukes Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Apr. 26, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 28, 2016 at 9:25 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Apr. 26, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 28, 2016 at 9:25 PM » Social News Ohio Gov. John Kasich will make a campaign stop in Medford Thursday evening as he continues his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, but locals interviewed in Medford on the eve of his arrival seemed unaware or unimpressed by the visit. “I think it’s a big sham,” said 62-year-old Medford resident Lee Saltzman, who said he plans to vote for a Republican in the general election. “The only reason Kasich is still in the race is to get a contested election in the end.” Kasich will make his campaign stop at a gym at Central Medford High School, 815 S. Oakdale Ave., Medford. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and Kasich is scheduled to appear at 6:30 p.m. Natalie Hurd, a spokeswoman for the Medford School District, said the Kasich campaign originally asked for a bigger gym but changed the venue to a smaller gym on the campus. The gym is rented out for $50 an hour. “They asked us to set up 300 seats,” she said. “But we have the capability to pull out the bleachers to accommodate more people.” Kasich, who has won only one state in the primary campaign, and fellow GOP candidate Ted Cruz have agreed to divide their efforts in upcoming contests, with Cruz focusing on Indiana and Kasich devoting his efforts to Oregon and New Mexico. Kasich's visit to Medford comes two days after Trump swept all five primaries in the New England area. According to an Associated Press analysis, Trump has 987 delegates, Cruz has 562 and Kasich has 153. Marco Rubuo, who dropped out of the race in March, still leads Kasich with 171 delegates. To win the nomination, a candidate must have 1,237 delegate votes. Saltzman said his ideal presidential ticket would be Trump for president and Cruz for vice president, or vice versa. He said he’d be happy if Cruz were appointed to the Supreme Court. “I’d vote for Trump in a heartbeat,” he said. “I wouldn’t vote for Hillary (Clinton) if my life depended on it.” Republican leaders Sal and Jan Esquivel of Medford said they didn't plan to attend the Kasich event. “We’re not real excited either,” said Rep. Sal Esquivel, a Medford resident. “It’s difficult to support someone you know can’t win mathematically.” Esquivel’s wife, Jan, past president of Jackson County Republican Women, said, “I’m disappointed that Cruz gave up Oregon so easily.” Teri Eaves, a 56-year-old Medford resident, said she’s not particularly impressed with any of the Republican candidates. “I think the Republicans are like a bunch of teenage boys,” she said. Eaves said Bernie Sanders and Trump are the two candidates in the race who are really shaking things up, while Kasich has projected a different image. “He’s probably the most mild-mannered of the bunch,” she said. Despite her concerns about the nature of the Republican race, Eaves said, “I’d rather have Donald Trump get in than Ted Cruz.” Some local residents had to be reminded who Kasich is, while others denounced the antics on display during the primary season. “I feel the Republican Party is grasping at straws,” said 27-year-old Medford resident Patrick McIntire. “I feel the Republican Party is on the verge of becoming irrelevant.” McIntire was somewhat appreciative, but not particularly excited, about Kasich coming to town. “At least he’s making an effort to come to Medford,” he said. “He just doesn’t have the star power.” Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Apr. 26, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 28, 2016 at 9:25 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501