EPC Republicans Say Presidential Drama Drawing Local Interest

There may not have been an official El Paso County Republican watch party for Thursday night’s Presidential Candidate debate but leaders know that doesn’t mean that people aren’t watching.

“There has been a tremendous amount of interest here locally,” said Eli Bremer, chairman of El Paso county’s chapter of the GOP. “I’m getting lots of personal calls about it, we’re getting lots of calls at headquarters about it; People are interested and in my opinion that’s a good thing.”

Bremer said having a multitude of candidates in the race and controversy in the form of sexual harrassment accusations against Herman Cain have increased interest in the race in El Paso county.

“I think it remains to be seen what impact the negative events have had,” said Bremer. “[Cain’s] definitely generated a tremendous amount of interest and I think he’s adding a lot to the presidential campaign.”

Bremer said he was pleased that Thursday’s debate veered away from more talk about scandal and the candidates focused on issues.

“We’ll see leaders come and go in the presidential race but the fact that people are engaged a year out is a really good thing for Republicans,” said Bremer.

As for Colorado voters, Bremer said he doesn’t think the candidates will make it to El Paso County until 2012, after the New Hampshire primary and Iowa caucus are in the books and have whittled the field to a handful of candidates.