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Potential delegates largely uncommitted

A look at GOP candidates

Most delegate candidates to the Republican National Convention in a survey by the Butler Eagle say they remain uncommitted to any presidential hopeful in Tuesday’s primary.

Under Pennsylvania Republican rules, the three delegates elected in each of the state’s 18 Congressional districts are unbound, or unpledged, meaning they can nominate any candidate for president that they want.

The state GOP is the only party in any primary state that elects delegates directly with no indication of a candidate preference.

Here are the names of the candidates and the counties where they live. They are listed by ballot position.

Robert J. Yates, Erie — Could not be reached for comment. Undecided but considering backing the “best Republican to run and win the race,” according to the county’s GOP website.

Michelle Mustello, Butler — Uncommitted. She said she won’t decide who to support until she has seen the results of the popular vote for both the 3rd District and the state.“I want to do what’s right. I want to be a delegate in the true sense of the word,” she said.

Lynne Ryan, Lawrence — Uncommitted. She promised to vote the “will of the people” and pledged to back the top vote-getter in the district. But she is a volunteer for Donald Trump’s campaign.

Brian Ellis, Butler — Could not be reached for comment. Uncommitted but would support the winner of the district, on at least the first convention ballot, according to the county’s GOP website.

Mike Baker, Armstrong — Could not be reached for comment. Uncommitted but would support the candidate who wins the district, according to the county’s GOP website

Gale Measel, Lawrence — Uncommitted. He vowed to vote for whomever wins the district. “I want to make sure the people are represented, not the establishment,” she said.

Daryl Metcalfe, Butler — Uncommitted.“I think it’s irresponsible for a delegate in April to say who they will vote for in July,” he said.If elected, he will consider the public vote and also take the opportunity at the convention to talk with the candidates, he said.

Phil English, Erie — Uncommitted.“I will look at the results of my district and try to interpret where the voters in my district are. Ultimately, I want to produce the candidate who can compete with Hillary Clinton.”

Jim Keffalas, Butler — Supports Donald Trump. He said he agrees with Trump’s positions on the national debt, immigration and trade agreements.“I think Trump has brought to the table the notion that the national debt needs to be stopped. We need to have a balanced budget. This country needs to be out of debt,” he said.

Louis J. Aliota, Erie — Supports Trump. He called the candidate a “good businessman” with a knowledge of finance systems and a record of job creation in the private sector.Trump’s outspokenness and anti-establishment persona as well as his defense of free market principles and his defense of American exceptionalism appeals to Aliota.

Dan Vete, Butler — Supports Trump. He said he appreciates that Trump is anti-establishment and is self-funding his campaign.

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