Democrat ex-councilman explains hawking Trump merchandise

HARRISBURG — A Democrat who once served on city council in Pennsylvania’s capital and ran unsuccessfully for Lt. Governor was spotted selling Donald Trump merchandise outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Brad Koplinski tells Pennlive.com that he’s working as a Democratic political strategist for two unnamed Pennsylvania congressional candidates and was at the convention to watch for messages and themes that may resonate with voters.

He says a Republican friend offered him a pass to the convention, but he had to help his friend’s friend sell Trump buttons for an hour as part of the deal.

The buttons said, “It’s law and order time,” “Team Trump,” and “You’re hired.”

Koplinski said he wore a “Make America Great Again” cap only to avoid sunburn and is “now incredibly embarrassed by that.”