By Andrea Asuaje
BU News Service
Ted Cruz’s speech at the Republican National Convention, which culminated with a lack of endorsement for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, did not sit well with Massachusetts State Representative Keiko Orrall.
“This party is unified behind Donald Trump,” Orrall said. “[Cruz] showed that he’s focused on himself.”
Orrall, along with several of the Massachusetts delegates, alternates and guests, was disappointed with the Texas senator on Thursday morning, stating that the lack of direct endorsement works against the mission to unite the Republican party during the convention and through the general election in November.
Scott Hayes, an alternate delegate originally from Beverly, said he thought Cruz would use his speech to continue the unifying message.
“I’ve lost respect for the man,” Hayes said of Cruz.
Still, some said that despite Cruz’s speech, they feel a sense of coming together at the convention.
Dennis Ringland, a guest of the Massachusetts delegation, said he felt extremely encouraged by the emotion and outpouring of support for the Republican nominee in the arena.
“I’m seeing very, very good things coming out of this,” Ringland said of the convention.
Dianna Ploss, a delegate from Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District and the Suffolk County regional captain and volunteer coordinator for the Trump campaign, said unifying the party isn’t enough. It’s also about getting voters from all points of the political spectrum to work together for a common goal: improving the country.
“We’re all on the same team,” Ploss said. “I’m fighting hard for everybody.”
At first, Ploss was a fan of Dr. Ben Carson. She said she got on board with Trump after the terrorism attacks in Paris and after researching and reading more about current events. For her, supporting and unifying behind Trump isn’t just for Republicans — it’s for all Americans.
“It’s incredible to see the power of a group of people working together for the same reason,” Ploss said of the Trump campaign. “Let’s get more Americans involved. Let’s not exclude anybody.”
Ted Cruz told the New York Times that he is not ready to endorse Trump for president. On Wednesday night, Cruz told the audience at the Republican National Convention to use their conscience when voting in November. He was booed off the stage at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
