(Toledo News Now) - WTOL's Tim Miller reported live from the first Republican GOP Debate in Cleveland Thursday night. The security was tight around the Quicken Loans arena with many political observers, media members, as well as ticket holders eager to hear the top ten representatives state their cases for presidential candidacy. Miller reported there being a tight perimeter and place here around the arena and metal detectors inside. He said it was just what you would expect for a high profile political event.
The debate included Ohio Governor, John Kasich who slipped in for the tenth spot earlier this week.
Many people hoped for a debate on the issues and not a bashing session, like Roy Buchinsky – a republican voter who came to hear for himself, undecided upon whom he favored for election.
"From Donald Trump all the way down to Governor Kasich, we hope that we can really hear a debate about what the issues are and that people are not bashing each other and rather, sticking to the issues of the day," he said.
Nan Baker, a representative from the state of Ohio from Cuyahoga County came to specifically hear Kasich and told WTOL what she was hoping would translate from the debate as a Kasich supporter.
"Together with the legislature and the House and Senate, with Governor Kasich as Governor, gosh, we were able to do some of the tough things that needed to be done - some tough decisions that needed to be made. And we did them. And that's the story I hope to hear tonight." Baker said.
The state party chairman, Matt Borges also says this is Kasich's chance to distinguish himself to a national audience.
Lucas County GOP Chairman John Stainbrook supports Governor Kasich for president but says there won't be any endorsements yet. He expects big things from Kasich but gave us his assessment of the GOP front runner before the debate.
"That's what the debates are all about," he said. "This is just one of many debates. And once you see, you pick your favorite candidate and get behind that candidate, and just get involved in the process. Watch the candidate that says something that you can relate with - that's what you need to do."
Ohio GOP Chairman Borges indicated he was not certain that Donald Trump would end on top.
Borges said, "I've seen these things many, many times before and by the time it's all said and done, and we actually get to counting votes, and get through the early primaries, and do those kinds of things, another candidate will emerge."
FOXNews wanted the first debate in Cleveland because this process will end here next July at the national convention.
Watch WTOL-11 News for the story on Thursday's event.
