Paul NelsonChannel 2 News
Our GOP caucus is just three days away and that means the presidential candidates are coming to stump for support. Wednesday, Newt Gingrich was the first.
The event at Great Basin Brewing Company was standing room only and many couldn't even get in the door, but that didn't stop Gingrich supporters.
Gingrich was greeted by a spirited crowd of conservatives Wednesday afternoon and wasted no time campaigning against fellow GOP frontrunner, Mitt Romney.
"I am running to be the President of all the American people and I am concerned about all the American people," Gingrich said. That comment came on the heels of something Romney said in an interview earlier in the day. "I'm in the race because I care about Americans. I'm not concerned about the very poor. We have safety nets there. If it needs repair, I'll fix it. I'm not concerned about the very rich. They're doing just fine. I'm concerned about the very heart of America," Romney said.
Along with campaigning against the former Governor of Massachusetts, Gingrich also says he plans to repeal Obamacare and change policies and current bills that directly impact Nevadans.
"It is killing housing here. It is driving down the price of housing, which continues to decline. It is crippling the banks and it is crippling loans to small businesses," Gingrich said.
Gingrich also said in his speech, he wants zero capitol gains taxes and would like to re-write the tax code to get rid of what he calls "paperwork, deductions, and red tape." "I took the conservative position. I want to create a 15% flat tax, so all you can pay at Romney's rate."
Supporters on hand seemed to be pleased with what they heard and hope he'll take some of those ideas to the Oval Office.
"I like his policy on judges. I like his tax policy. I like his policy on Israel," says northern Nevada supporter Gary Nielsen.
"I like the way he's talking about supporting America. He's the only one with a backbone, right now. Everybody else is kind of drifting where the wind is blowing," said supporter Norman Westgate.
"He's direct, he's honest, he's got the skills. He's been there. If there's anyone that can beat Obama. I think it's Newt Gingrich," said Roseanne Hardenbrook.
With the Reno stop all finished up, Gingrich is shifting his attention to southern Nevada. Thursday he's getting the endorsement from Donald Trump in Las Vegas.
Romney arrived in Las Vegas Wednesday night, then he's heading to Reno for a rally Thursday. That rally is set for The Grove at 95 Foothill Road in South Reno from 4:30 to 5:30pm Thursday.
Ron Paul will also be in Northern Nevada Thursday. First, he's hosting a rally at the Elko Indian Colony Gymnasium at 2250 Indian View Heights Drive in Elko at 4:30pm Thursday. At 7pm Thursday he's hosting another rally at the Grand Sierra Resort at 2500 East Second Street in Reno.
Of course, we'll bring you all the details of all the candidates visits on Channel 2 News.
