FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) – Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump made an unusual foray Saturday night into deep-blue Connecticut, pledging to make “a big play” for the Democratic stronghold.
Connecticut has not voted for a Republican in a presidential election since 1988, when it went for George H.W. Bush, but Trump was undeterred.
“I’m making a big play for Connecticut. Normally the party wouldn’t make a play,” Trump told the crowd in a sweltering Fairfield gym. “I love Connecticut. I have lived in Connecticut. I have so many friends in Connecticut.”
Trump’s sojourn into Connecticut raised eyebrows among many Republicans nervous about his slipping poll numbers in a series of key swing states and battlegrounds – and even some usual GOP turf. The wealthy southern coast of Connecticut, made up of tony New York City suburbs, has long been fertile fundraising ground and Trump held an event nearby before the rally.
But it is rare for a Republican to campaign in the Nutmeg State, though many Trump supporters in attendance in Fairfield were glad he did.