Would California Republicans support Trump for President?

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KTVU) - GOP voters at a San Mateo Republican Party banquet Thursday night expressed a wide range of opinions about whether businessman Donald Trump has what it takes to become the GOP presidential nominee.

Trump made news headlines again Thursday, along with the number two GOP candidate Dr. Ben Carson.

The pair sent a letter stating that they would boycott the next GOP debate on October 28th if the host network CNBC does not change the format.

The letter signed by both men stated, "Neither Mr. Trump or Dr. Carson will participate in your debate if it is longer than 120 minutes including commercials and does not include opening and closing statements."

Trump seems to have a winning hand right now as an unlikely presidential candidate who is leading in the polls.

It shows the reality facing Republicans in trying to unify a party that has deep divisions.

It is also a tricky balancing act for the Republican National Committee.

"They are the body that has to decide what's fair not just to candidates in the lead, but to all candidates," said Southern California Congressman Darrell Issa.

At the Republican banquet in San Mateo, Southern California Congressman Darrell Issa addressed a crowd that reflects the split opinions.

Some said they support Florida Senator Marco Rubio or former Gov. Jeb Bush. Others support Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina or Senator Ted Cruz.

"I do believe he has lived the American Dream just like I have and I believe he's the best candidate," said Peter Kuo, a Santa Clara supporter of Ted Cruz.

Many are still undecided. Some say they like the diversity of the GOP candidate field.

"I think that the American voters always win by having more options and I think it's wonderful the Republican party has so many people running and such a diverse group represented," said Claire Chiara, a Berkeley Republican.

Others are not so happy with what some call a conservative party in chaos.

"I kind of like Donald Trump, but I'm dissatisfied with the candidates running now. The Republicans, they haven't separated themselves. There's infighting between each other," said Republican Steve Duncan.

We asked GOP voters whether Republicans would rally around Trump if he does get the nomination will mainstream Republicans rally around him.

"If he's the nominee of the party I intend to support him. If he's the President of the United States I intend to do what I can to make him a success," said Congressman Issa.

Others disagree.

"I psychologically refuse to engage in the reality where Trump achieves the nomination. It would require some serious soul-searching both about the party and the Republic," said Nick Schrock, who currently favors Sen. Marco Rubio.

The next GOP debate is October 28th and there's a question of who will attend.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Ohio Governor John Kasich, and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul could be in danger of not making the 3% poll number cutoff, which would put them out of the main debate.