EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Republican National Convention, scheduled through Thursday, has sparked reactions from local leaders, including three El Paso delegates who are in Milwaukee.
Among them is former El Paso County Republican Party Chairman Adolpho Telles.
The GOP event has drawn hundreds of attendees, including delegates, guests, and media. Despite the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, Telles said the atmosphere is charged with excitement and positivity.
“He (Trump) is the man we need because he stood up there. He showed that they have the strength to go forward. People here are very positive as you’re aware. He was elected (nominated) today as our president, representing the party. He also elected our vice chair (vice president) J.D Vance. People are motivated and it’s exciting. Very exciting,” Telles said.
When asked what it meant to represent El Paso at the RNC, Telles said:
“We have problems. We have issues. The economy is not good. The border is not good. Security is not good. The cost of food, just period, is way higher than it should be. And being able to be here to hopefully be part of change that will, in fact, impact not just El Paso, but nationally and internationally.”
El Paso County Democratic Party Chair Michael Apodaca responded to Telles’ comments.
“I agree with Mr. Telles that we have problems. However, we have a different vision of how to fix them. We will hear the same old broken record at the RNC convention this week: our border is unsafe, the economy is terrible, and Biden is the worst. However, Trump and his team continue to provide no solutions.” Apodaca said.
He also said: “For the last eight years, we’re still waiting for his solution on health care, and a better and fairer economy. When there was a step in the right direction with the border security and immigration bill by Sen. Mitch McConnell, Trump rejected it, showing he’s all for the show.”
Trump took to Truth Social to announce his vice presidential pick, 39-year-old Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance. Telles said Vance is suited for the job.
“He was in the Marines. He’s got a degree in law, and he graduated, in my recollection, is a good buddy. So, the guy is a very bright guy, who is willing to stand up and fight for our country. The guy comes with very good, strong credentials. He is young and he’s bright. So, and that’s what we need. If something happens to Trump, which hopefully it won’t, there’s clearly somebody there that’s got the ability and the talent to go forward,” Telles said.
Apodaca had a different view of Vance. “His running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, was once a critic but now pushes for a nationwide abortion ban, aligns with the gun lobby, and echoes Trump’s false election claims,” Apodaca said.
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