Ted Cruz, John Kasich Team Up To Stop Donald Trump, But Will It Work In Indiana?
(CBS) -- People taking the pulse of the electorate in Indiana says they're not sure Republican candidates Ted Cruz and John Kasich will succeed in their bid to team up and stop Donald Trump's bid for the presidential nomination, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Jack Colwell, political columnist for the South Bend Tribune says GOP hopeful John Kasich's plan to sit out the Indiana primary, giving rival Ted Cruz a shot at Donald Trump, is probably a smart tactic. Trump seems headed for a first-ballot convention victory otherwise. But can it work?
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"It's going to be very interesting in fact I heard today from someone who had been planning to vote for Kasich and said, 'No way, I will not vote for Cruz,' he just doesn't like Cruz, so it's certainly not a case where everybody who is going to vote for Kasich is suddenly going to jump over and vote for Cruz," Colwell said.
Andy Downs, political science professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, says attempts at strategic voting haven't always worked as well as the backers hoped.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports in Griffith, Indiana, there's a steady stream of supporters stopping the newly-opened Trump headquarters.
"Pick up some signs for the house and advertise for him," said Joe Tkacz of Highland, Indiana.
It's right beside Lucile's Bar and they're coming by bike and walker. There's just one problem.
"We have gone through 16,000 signs in just a few days," says Trump volunteer Karen Amptmeyer.
They're signs that Indiana is unexpectedly in presidential play
Trump supporter Marilyn Kmak of Munster says she doesn't "think it's very ethical" for Cruz and Kasich to work together.
"It's desperation and I am sure there are bigger powers that have directed that," said Dean Tavernier.
Northwest Indiana is home to the highest concentration of Republicans outside of Indianapolis, giving this corner of the state added clout this year.
"When you are looking to win the whole state you also have to get the Republicans in Northwest Indiana," said Political Analyst and Purdue University professor Maurice Eisenstein
But Eisentein warns candidate deals could backfire.
The Indiana primary is Tuesday, May 3.
