Both sides of the aisle react to President Trump’s planned visit to Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – When the news that President Trump was coming to Nebraska first broke, many people almost didn’t believe it.

“Rumors start before the reality hits,” said Mary Jane Truemper, Chair of the Nebraska Republican Party.

“I thought it might be a joke because we don’t typically get presidents coming to Nebraska,” said Hannah Wroblewski, Chair of the Lancaster County Democrats.

But once the Trump itinerary was made public, Truemper says it was very exciting.

“Apparently a lot of Nebraskans are excited he’s coming because my phone’s been ringing off the hook and I’ve got voicemails that I may never get to, but I will try,” she said.

The event was organized by the Republican National Committee and is scheduled to take place on Oct. 5 at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center in Grand Island.

It comes at a time when both parties have been busy with prep for the November general election.

Truemper’s staff has been working on getting voters signed up and ready for the polls on Nov. 3 and now, are also trying to get the word out about Monday’s event.

“It’s just getting more intense as people are like scattering to make sure they get tickets to the event,” said Truemper.

“We’re going to put the information on how to sign up for the rally on our website and on our social media posts,” she said, adding that she hopes people will volunteer to help out too.

The Lancaster County Democrats say not much has changed with their agenda since the news came out on Tuesday.

“Our focus is on electing our Democratic candidates and our endorsed independent candidates. So, we as the Lancaster County Democrats won’t be doing anything to prepare for President Trump’s visit,” said Wroblewski.

Ironically, Wroblewski telling Channel 8 this as the group gathered for a monthly meeting to plan for the election.

The Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, Jane Kleeb wasn’t available for an interview with Channel 8 but put out this statement about President Trump’s visit.

“The tour of deep red towns shows what we all know- that his polling is in the gutter,” said Kleeb.

As for the Republican party, they’re hoping that this presidential presence will help their candidates make it through.

“We’re wanting to motivate the Nebraska Republican voters to get out and vote and I think that that is the message that President Trump is going to come and do,” said Truemper.

This trip to Grand Island is just one stop on Trump’s midterm campaign blitz.

He’ll also be visiting Oklahoma, Iowa, Florida, Texas and Alaska.