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GOP momentum builds as New York primary nears

Posted at 7:31 PM, Apr 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-13 19:31:57-04

On Wednesday morning, the Western New York Trump Headquarters opened in downtown Buffalo.

Volunteers have since been making rounds, hoping to drum up support for the GOP front runner. Those duties include answering phones, knocking on doors and handing out lawn signs and posters.

"He's the only one that can bring our country together. He's the revolution that is actually happening, and we want a political revolution," said Gary Pelletier, one of the volunteers stumping for Trump in western New York.

Many Trump supporters have a similar theme as Pelletier -- frustration with current politics.

"I think the freshness of his campaign -- that he's not a politician, he's not polished, he's not rehearsed," said Caroline Wojton, who even wrote a song based on "Bye Bye Birdie" to sing at Trump's rally.

After visits from both Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, the GOP is ramping up efforts in Buffalo.

On Thursday, Ted Cruz will be visiting. Cruz will be holding a Town Hall style meeting in the Katharine Cornell Theatre on UB's north campus. It is expected to hold about 300 people, consisting of University at Buffalo students and local residents.

On Wednesday, Trump's National Field Director came to Buffalo.

This is also the first time major Republican candidates in the primary election have visited the area since 2000.

This year, however, votes are crucial. It is rare that a candidate has not been set in stone by New York's primary election.

"We're known as an organization that turns out a big vote," said Nick Langworthy, the Chairman for the Erie County Republican Committee. "That gets their voters to the polls. The candidates know they have to succeed here to win the Republican primary."

On Monday, Trump will hold a rally at First Niagara Center. Buffalo will be Trump's last stop before primary day, according to campaign organizer Carl Paladino.

"We're going to have a crowded arena," Paladino said. "We wanted to be able to show everybody in this state."