Local political leaders sound off on Trump's latest comments ahead of Valley fundraiser

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno County's Republican Party believes a possible fundraiser in the South Valley will grow support for their nominee.

As Donald Trump makes stops across the country, all people seem to be talking about are his controversial remarks rather than his policies.

Publicly, the party is standing by Trump but a letter, signed by dozens of Republicans, have demanded the Republican National Committee stop funding the nominee's campaign and to use that money to help win congressional races instead.

But some local Republicans say they stand by their outspoken nominee because he is anti-establishment

"They have a self-interest in attacking Trump," Fresno County Republican Party chair Paul Deffebach said. "Because he would bring real change, hopefully, in Washington DC at a time we need it."

The Fresno County Republican Party believes Trump's words won't affect local races because they say the state's districting already favors Democrats.

They say while the focus has been on Trump, Clinton's emails are under fire again. This time because of close relations between the Clinton Foundation and the state department.

"That will affect the congressional races and her Democrats more than what Trump is saying on these smaller ancillary issues that are out there," Deffebach said.

"She's not the only one," said Doug Kessler, who is the Fresno County Democratic Party regional director. "I don't see the Republicans talking about the emails of Condolezza Rice and others before that."

Local Republicans say Trump is expected to hold a fundraiser in the Central Valley within the next few weeks and that his visit will solidify support among farmers and conservative Democrats.

"Hillary Clinton will not turn the pumps to create jobs and to help agriculture in the Central Valley. She just won't," Deffebach said. "Trump promised that he would."

Local Democrats say, with or without his visit, they are confident results will point the other way.

"Every day we hope Trump keeps talking because the numbers keep getting better and better," Kessler said.