PORTLAND, Maine - Protesters against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are rallying outside a Portland hotel this morning, where Trump is scheduled to speak this afternoon.
Republican activist Lance Dutson says Maine has seen firsthand the damage that divisive politics can bring to the political system, and urged fellow Republicans to stand against Trump.
"Maine Republicans reject the hatred. We reject the racism. We reject the fear, ignorance, bigotry, and smears," Dutson says. "And without equivocation, we reject Donald Trump."
Protesters held signs that said "Love Always Trumps Hate" as a line waiting to see Trump stretched across a city block.
Portland law student Nathan Hitchcock says he braved the biting wind to help him decide whether he'll support who he describes as 'one of the most unconventional candidates in recent history.'
"I'm on the fence. I think I could be a supporter. I think seeing him today could help make that decision."
Dean Hockenberry of Cumberland says he likes that Trump is an outsider in the political process.
"Trump's a reality check for this country. We need to bring smart citizens into this process. Politicians were never meant to be professionals."
Gov. Paul LePage plans to join Trump at the rally, which comes two days before Maine's GOP presidential caucuses.
LePage endorsed Trump last week and joked that "I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular.'' He also said they were cut from "the same cloth.''
On Friday, one of Trump's opponents for the GOP nomination, Ted Cruz, will be paying a visit to the University of Maine, in Orono.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
