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GOP debate tone is a source of concern

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The battle for the GOP Presidential nomination is negative and personal, and that may be putting it mildly.

It’s a source of concern for members of the Republican Party and others.

Donald Trump is the lightning rod in this discussion. He has engaged in personal attacks and name-calling in ways never witnessed in a presidential race before.

But other candidates, including Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, followed suit in Thursday night’s debate and the people who work in politics in this state says it’s bad for all us.

Jennifer Hallowell worked on John McCain’s campaign for President in 2008.

“You know, I understand that it’s a reflection of the anger and the angst in the electorate,” she said, “but, you know, leaders really should, I think, inspire us.”

House Minority Leader Scott Pelath watched the debate even though he’s a Democrat.

“I found the previous ones entertaining,” he said. “I didn’t find this past one quite as entertaining. It’s moved to new depths.”

House Speaker Brian Bosma says that the level of debate is not positive.

“It’s not just limited to Donald Trump,” he said. “I think a lot of the candidates are trying to score points by getting into almost a verbal brawl.”

Of course, Mitt Romney tried to address the problem Thursday and, instead, only prompted new attacks from Donald Trump.

“The way this campaign is unfolding,” said Hallowell, “I think is a disservice to voters and also to young people and people we want to be involved in the process.”

It’s a circumstance that is not likely to change anytime soon, at least not as long as a candidate think it helps him build support, and obviously some of them do.