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Presidential Politics Heat up in Scranton

SCRANTON — Things are getting more political in Scranton as presidential campaigns gear up ahead of Pennsylvania’s primary. Democratic candidate Ber...

SCRANTON -- Things are getting more political in Scranton as presidential campaigns gear up ahead of Pennsylvania's primary. Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders opened an office in downtown Scranton Tuesday on North Washington Avenue. It's his first in the state.

"He actually listens to the people, you know? His stances have been the same for 40 years. He hasn't changed whereas most politicians will flip-flop constantly,” said campaign volunteer Michael Tames of Scranton.

And while volunteers and supporters were opening the Sanders office, a Donald Trump tractor trailer pulled up outside; the truck is owned by Lackawanna County businessman Bob Bolus.

It attracted a lot of attention and some fans.

“I think it's wonderful because I think Donald Trump is the one. I always think primaries are extremely exciting and important,” said Lynn Moran of Newtown Township.

About a block away, on Linden Street in Scranton, Hillary Clinton supporters were manning the phones at a phone bank, trying to drum up support for their candidate.

Of course not everybody is happy with the political presence in the area. Some people tell Newswatch 16 they are already fed up with it all.

"You know what? I don't think any of the votes I want to throw in there are the right decision. You understand what I mean? Hillary did this. Trump is causing an uproar. This country is in disarray,” said Paul Sturm, a University of Scranton student.

All this political fervor comes before Pennsylvania's primary on April 26. Hillary Clinton has connections to Scranton. Her father was a native. In 2008, she won the majority of the votes in the Democratic primary in Lackawanna County, beating Barack Obama.

But Bernie supporters say they have faith.

"There's no doubt that she has a presence here. I mean, she is from the area. She has a lot of background. There's a lot of support for her here. I think she may even win Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, maybe a few other ones, but I think in the end, Bernie will take the state,” said Patrick Kwiatkowski of Covington Township.

A Clinton campaign staffer says there will be a campaign office opening in Scranton in the next week or so.

There is no word about offices for any of the Republican candidates.

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