Balloons and confetti are seen at the end of the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND — The day after the Republican National Convention closed, the question facing the Colorado party is simple: ?
How Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump affects the down-ballot races in Colorado is a big question — as evidenced by the void of GOP candidates rushing to praise the New York billionaire after he gave a long-winded that spoke to the fears of his supporters, but proved too dark and unimpressive for his critics.
“I think he gave a pretty good speech last night that I don’t feel like any of my candidates should be distracted by,” said House GOP leader Brian DelGrosso as he left Cleveland on Friday. “But itap too early to tell. … I know our candidates are focused on themselves, they are focused on going to the door to talking about what they need to do to get themselves elected.”
The national Republican party is putting significant resources into Colorado to maintain a permanent presence that builds a campaign infrastructure, for itself and its nominee. But the party is not counting on Trump to help lift the entire GOP boat.
“This is going to be a base election,” said , in a recent interview. “In other words, there are no coattails from the presidential ticket.”
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (Center-L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence (Center-R) stand with their families at the end of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Balloons fall after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke and accepted the party nomination on the last day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence stand with their families on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (C L) and vice presidential candidate Mike Pence (C R) are joined by their families at the end of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump points to the crowd as he delivers a speech during the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Supporters watch Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak on a outdoor screen in downtown on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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A delegate dances during a music break in the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump points to the crowd as he delivers his speech Thursday night at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) looks on as his daughter Ivanka Trump leaves the stage on the last day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, delivers a speech during the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A delegate holds up a sign that reads "Trump is Americas Great Ball of Fire" during the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Singer Heavenly Joy sings during at the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 21, 2016.
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US Representative Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Delegates dance during the the evening session of the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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The President of Liberty University, Jerry Falwell, Jr., speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Pastor Mark Burns, Co-Founder & CEO of The NOW Television Network, gestures as he delivers a speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
John Locher, The Associated Press
California delegate Jake Byrd reacts as New York delegate Bob Hayssen holds up a Trump flag during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Carolyn Kaster, The Associated Press
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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California delegate Joy Neugebauer holds a sign in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Tiffany Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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California delegates react during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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Speaker Paul Ryan waves to the audience on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Delegates hold signs that read "Trump Digs Coal" on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A delegate reacts during the roll call of states on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Donald Trump, Jr., son of Donald Trump, speaks on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) gives two thumbs up after delivering a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, bangs the gavel officially ending the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A CODEPINK demonstrator struggles with convention attendees after unveiling a protest poster on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Matt Rourke, The Associated Press
Eric Laykin from Los Angeles yells during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Delegates take part in the roll call on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
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Former US Senator Rick Santorum speaks with Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell steps off stage after addressing the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump introduces his wife Melania on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Delegates pose for an official convention photograph on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press
Kansas delegate Beverly Gossage cheers as Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., speaks during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Paul Sancya, The Associated Press
Former Republican presidential candidate Sen. Bob Dole and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich chat before the evening session on the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump introduces his wife Melania on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Matt Rourke, Associated Press
Jeff Barke from Orange County, Calif., walks around the convention floor during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Darryl Glenn delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke salutes the crowd prior to delivering a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
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Florida delegate Dana Dougherty holds a Donald Trump doll on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The Republican Party opened its national convention Monday, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.
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Former Texas Governor Rick Perry delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
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Andrew Christie, right, takes a photo of a delegate and his father, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie while attending the first day of the Republican National Convention along with his son Andrew Christie, right, on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
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Donald Trump supporters attend a rally in downtown Cleveland in the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in downtown Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The convention runs through July 21.
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Journalists talk with a man openly carrying a gun in downtown on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated Press
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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CODEPINK founder Medea Benjamin along with members of the activist group Code Pink demonstrate near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland. Protestors are staging demonstrations outside of the Republican National Convention which starts on Monday, July 18 and runs through July 21.
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A delegate becomes emotional while listening to the speech of Pat Smith, mother of Sean Smith, one of the four Americans killed in the Sept. 11, 2012 terror attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Protesters march during a "Dump Trump" demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. Protestors are staging demonstrations outside of the Republican National Convention which starts on Monday July 18 and runs through July 21.
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated Press
Actor Scott Baio gives two thumbs up after addressing the delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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Anti-Donald Trump protesters climb over a barricade as they march through closed streets in Cleveland, near the Quicken Loans Arena site of the Republican National Convention July 18, 2016.
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Police stand around a group of conservative protesters on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in downtown Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The convention runs through July 21.
Dominick Reuter, AFP/Getty Images
A Code Pink protester is surrounded by media, security and a Bikers for Trump member trying to block her view during the evening session of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
The Republican Party opened its national convention Monday, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.
John Moore, Getty Images
Vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence claps while listening to a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
John Minchillo, Associated Press
Members of the group Bikers for Trump watch during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Settlers Landing Park on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland. The Republican National Convention that starts on Monday.
John Locher, Associated Press
People cheer as delegates gather on the floor during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press
Reince Priebus, Chair of the Republican National Committee, speaks at the podium on opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
John Locher, Associated Press
Workers prepare the stage before the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press
Sharon Day, co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, speaks during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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Tom Pauken, Republican Delegate of Texas, takes off his hat before the start of the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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A woman gives a high-five to a police officer outside the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
Matt Rourke, Associated Press
West Virginia State Trooper Sgt. Dave Williams guards outside Quicken Loans Arena during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016.
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Karen Vaughn, whose son Aaron Vaughn, a Navy SEAL, was killed in a Chinook helicopter crash in Afghanistan, delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Marlana VanHoose performs the Star-Spangled Banner before the eveneing session of the opening day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18, 2016.
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Television personality and CEO of Duck Commander, Willie Robertson speaks on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Protesters gather during demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
Protesters gather during demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Professional Golfer Natalie Gulbis speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Jeff Swensen, Getty Images
Balloons fall over the crowd after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered his speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (Center-L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence (Center-R) stand with their families at the end of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
So far, the talk is not about the party’s nominee so much as the effort to stop Clinton, the Democratic candidate. Trump’s name did not even merit a mention at a recent state Republican Party training session for volunteers and down-ballot candidates. Instead, the focus was “Stop Hillary.”
The slogan is emblazoned on a postcard that voters complete and the party collects. It intends to mail them to voters in the fall.
“Itap basically a commitment to say, ‘I don’t trust Hillary Clinton,’” explained Logan Ingle, a state GOP organizer. “So, if by the time November gets here and you just don’t feel like voting anymore, maybe this is enough to push some people over the edge to vote.”
In addition to the anti-Clinton message, the party is highlighting the to drive turnout among its deep-rooted supporters. And Darryl Glenn, may help give conservatives a reason to turnout, though his reach beyond the party activists is limited given his to date.
The Trump campaign is relying on a new class of voters to win — people who haven’t voted in recent elections because they are disenchanted with the entire electoral system.
On the floor of the convention, in the closing hours Thursday, the Trump campaign’s Colorado director whipped out his cellphone to demonstrate a mobile app that the party and candidate are using to identify and target voters. The two camps are merging their data and hope to find Trump’s base of supporters and convince others to support him.
“I think as that (Trump’s agenda) starts to develop it will be contrasted with the radical and leftist ideas coming out of the Clinton camp and the voters of Colorado will start to take this race seriously,” said Patrick Davis, the state’s campaign chief and a Colorado Springs-based consultant.
Colorado GOP Chairman Steve House said he believes that is critical.
“We cannot effectively win an election, and neither can the Democrats, if you try to motivate people to vote against the candidate,” House said. “You have to motivate people to vote for your candidate. So coming out of this convention, our big task is going to be selling Donald Trump to the American people.”
But more than anything, an answer to how the Republican Party and its Colorado candidates move forward remains uncertain.
“At this point, itap totally unpredictable,” said Ryan Call, a former state Republican Party chairman, as he prepared to leave Cleveland. “No one knows for sure what the demographic mix is going to look like on Election Day. No one knows what kind of new voters Donald Trump is going to be bringing into the political process.
“And,” he finished, “no one is going to know if the individual candidates running in those down-ballot races are running from Trump or standing beside him in the race.”
