Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump showed up about three hours late to his own party in Aspen last night.
The event was supposed to begin at 4:30 p.m., but Trump’s travel was delayed numerous times. Trump first landed at the Eagle County airport which can accommodate larger planes, and then took a private flight to the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. The top dollar ticket at the private fundraiser included a photo opportunity with the candidate and required a $25,000 donation. Pitkin County Republican Chair Bob Jenkins had the chance to meet with Trump one on one. He said the former reality television star was genuine in his interest in meeting with Jenkins and talking strategy for winning the state of Colorado.
Extra law enforcement were called in to be on hand to help escort the presidential nominee to a private
home on West Buttermilk and to help contain crowds at a Hillary Clinton rally on Owl Creek Road.
Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo said he has asked the host of the event to reimburse the department for the extra costs. About 10 additional staff were on duty
to assure safety for the candidate. DiSalvo guessed that bill would be about $6,000 – double the cost of an event featuring Clinton earlier this summer. DiSalvo said that’s because Clinton had 40 secret service members in tow, and did not need as much assistance from local law enforcement.
