Thursday, supporters of the Republican party were focused on Cleveland with FOX News holding the first debates of Republican Presidential candidates for the 2016 campaign.

During the prime-time debate, members of the Lubbock County Young Republicans held a straw poll with those attending the Lubbock County Republican Party watch party at Mr. Gatti's.

Out of the 100-120 people in attendance, about half participated in the poll.

Senator Ted Cruz scored the highest, garnering 37% (23 out of 62 votes). Senator Rand Paul placed second with 13% (8 votes). Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump tied for third with 11% (7 votes). Jeb Bush and Governor Scott Walker tied for fifth at 6% (4 votes). Senator Marco Rubio and Ben Carson tied for seventh at 5% (3 votes). Governor John Kasich placed ninth at 3% (2 votes), 'Other' placed tenth with one vote and Governor Chris Christie placed eleventh with no votes.

During the watch party at Mr. Gatti's, Cruz received applause numerous times for his answers. Paul was booed a few times, including when he got into his back-and-forth with Christie.

Rob Snyder, KFYO.com

Reactions were mixed concerning Donald Trump and the responses he gave throughout the debate.

Some in attendance noticed the small amount of time Cruz and Carson received in comparison to the other candidates.

Reactions were also mixed in the audience on the strength of questions from the FOX News panel and their handling of the debate. Especially since Rand Paul was allowed to interrupt his fellow candidates a number of times.