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October 2008
Bev Perdue in Greenville tomorrow
Democratic nominee for NC Governor Bev Perdue will stop by Greenville at 11:45 a.m. tomorrow to meet with voters at the Visit early Vote Poll at the Community School Building, 4561 County Home Road.
Perdue is currently running against Pat McCrory for office.
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Obama rally set for Friday
Democrats announced Wednesday night that they’re cooking up a gathering for Greenville that’ll pull party leaders from throughout the region for an Obama rally in Greenville at Parker’s Barbecue on Memorial Drive at noon Friday.
Campaign spokesman Paul Cox said among those committed to join the rally are former Gov. Jim Hunt of Wilson, N.C. Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand of Fayetteville, President Pro Tempore of the Senate Mark Basnight of Manteo and U.S. Reps. Bob Ethridge and G.K. Butterfield, both of Wilson, as well as N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall of Harnett County.
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McCain’s “Fight For America” tour hits Greenville
By Michael Abramowitz
The Daily Reflector
Four U.S. military veterans, two now serving in elected offices, stopped in Greenville Wednesday along a whirlwind tour of battleground states in support of John McCain’s presidential bid.
They touted McCain’s leadership strengths, hardened by his years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and seasoned experience in the U.S. Senate, as reasons voters could believe in him to pull America through tough times.
Lt. Col. Orson Swindle, USMC, ret., who spent six years as a POW and 18 months as McCain’s bunkmate at the “Hanoi Hilton,” North Vietnam’s infamous prison camp; Capt. Charles “Sneakers” Nesby, a U.S. Navy pilot and former leader of the Navy’s Top Gun aviator school; N.C. Rep. Ric Killian, (Mecklenburg), a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army Reserves; and U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, the only female veteran in Congress came to Pitt County Republican Party headquarters to envigorate local campaign volunteers.
The group has been on a rigorous travel schedule during the last week of the presidential campaign, stopping at four to five cities per day, especially in places with a strong military presence.
Killian said the election could be won or lost in North Carolina.
“It’s important that all North Carolinians get out and vote on Tuesday,” Killian said.
He said that his perspective as a state legislator reminds him that a strong McCain turnout could mean many more Republicans winning bids in the N.C. legislature in next week’s elections.
Killian also warned that a Democratic sweep of the White House and Congress would devastate North Carolina’s military-based economy.
“I heard Rep. Barney Frank say that a Democratic Congress would cut defense spending by 25 percent,” Killian said.
Swindle said the main purpose of the tour was to thank the volunteers on McCain’s behalf and encourage their continued efforts. He emphasized McCain’s inherent perseverence as indication that he hasn’t given up on the race.
“He works best when he’s in a scrap, and that’s what we have now. We’ve got a strong candidate running against us, funded beyond anything we’ve ever dreamed of,” Swindle said. “But we’re gonna win because the American people are smart, and they know that it’s important we get somebody with experience as the leader of the free world.”
Wilson said there were two reasons for her part in the tour.
“Government is not about redistributing your wealth,” she said. “It’s not the government’s money; it’s yours. John McCain thinks we need to keep taxes low so the engine of the economy, small business, can furnish new jobs.”
The congresswoman from New Mexico talked about the housing crisis and pointed out that McCain pushed for oversight of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the two government mortgage assistance programs whose failure sparked the crisis.
“John McCain pushed for congressional oversight of those two troubled programs two years ago,” she said.
She also spoke of the need for a strong defense.
“I don’t think we should put somebody into the Oval Office who has no experience in national security and who has said he wants to cut defense spending,” Wilson said.
The group didn’t stay long in Greenville, about an hour. They headed to Winston-Salem and other cities in the central part of the state, then will end the tour in Charlotte.
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Perdue stumps in Greenville today
Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue will speak at North Carolina Conference on Aging in Greenville today as part of her campaign for governor.
Perdue will visit the conference at the Greenville Convention Center and speak at 1:15 p.m., her campaign announced.
More than 500 service delivery, academic and public policy representatives from across the state are here for the seventh annual conference.
The conference, which runs through Thursday, is a collaborative effort to provide educational and networking opportunities for anyone with an interest in the field of aging, organizers say.
It includes more than 100 conference plenary sessions, workshops, symposia, papers, roundtable discussions and posters addressing the theme of “Healthy? Wealthy? And Wise? — Growing Older in North Carolina.”
Perdue’s stop is part of a swing through the eastern part of the state. She was in Fayetteville this morning and is scheduled for a stop in Wilson at 2 p.m. at the Wilson County Democratic Headquarters, 132 S. Goldsboro St.
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Michelle Obama rallies in Rocky Mount
Michelle Obama will hold an Early Vote for Change rally in Rocky Mount today, the Obama campaign announced.
The wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will be at Rocky Mount Senior High School 308 S. Tillery St., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Members of the public are invited to RSVP at www.nc.barackobama.com
For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No food or drink allowed inside the ballpark. No signs or banners allowed.
With less than one week before the election, the Obama campaign is stopping in North Carolina to encourage people to vote early.
Early voting in North Carolina began on Oct. 16, and more than 1 million have already cast their ballot in this election.
The Early Vote period continues through Nov. 1. For specific voting times and locations, visit www.voteforchange.com.
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Republicans rally in Greenville
John McCain’s “Fight for America Tour” will be making stops in Greenville and other eastern communities Wednesday.
The events will be headlined by Congresswoman Heather Wilson of New Mexico, Capt. Charles “Sneakers” Nesby, Orson Swindle and N.C. State Rep. Ric Killian of Mecklenburg County.
The effort to rally support for John McCain, Sarah Palin, and the entire Republican ticket will visit Greenville at 2:30 p.m. at McCain’s Victory Campaign headquarters, 103B Commerce St., off Arlington Boulevard.
The participants will discuss their reasons for supporting John McCain, as well as address grassroots volunteers and answer questions during stops throughout North Carolina.
The tour also will stop in at 10:15 a.m. in Wilmington, noon in Jacksonville and 4:30 p.m. in Rocky Mount.
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Rally ends at East Carolina
The Early Vote for Change Rally has concluded at East Carolina University.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden spoke for just more than 23 minutes, touching on topics ranging from campaign goals to “negative” campaigning by the GOP ticket.
Biden said he felt like Sen. Barack Obama has a “spine of steel,” which could stand up to some of the criticism Republicans are throwing at him, but he cannot take four years of McCain policies.
“That will break your back,” Biden said.
Biden is still making his way through the remaining crowd. He is scheduled to speak in Greensboro at 1 p.m. today.
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Biden discusses campaign goals
Sen. Joe Biden said his ticket will be committed to a pair of goals while in office.
Biden said he and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama want to restore the middle class and regaining America’s respect in the world.
Biden said some of the key steps toward restoring the middle class include tax cuts for them and providing healthcare for everyone.
“When the middle class does well, the wealthy do well,” Biden said. “And poor folk do even better.”
Biden noted that the first step toward restoring America’s respect worldwide would be ending the war in Iraq.
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Biden takes the stage
Wearing an East Carolina University baseball hat, Sen. Joe Biden took the stage at East Carolina University minutes ago.
The Democratic vice presidential nominee began by saying the election was about the people. He said the debates, policy positions and television commercials have led to the time to choose.
Biden said people have to recognize they can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results.
Biden called this election the most important of his lifetime.
He then laid into Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
“I know Halloween is coming, but John McCain dressed as an agent of change, that costume just doesn’t fit,” Biden said.
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Early voting group heading to Newman Catholic Center
Melissa Hege, ECU field coordinator for the Obama campaign, announced moments ago that organizers are leading a group of early voters to ECU’s Newman Catholic Center after today’s rally.
Hege thanked volunteers and emphasized North Carolina’s status as a battleground state. She pleaded for volunteers to continue their work during the final eight days before the election.
“We can’t give up on him with the last stretch to go,” Hege said of Sen. Barack Obama. “We’re turning North Carolina blue, vote by vote.”
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Butterfield: ‘Biden understands the troubles of working Americans’
U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield warmed the crowd up moments ago by bashing the “failed policies of the George W. Bush administration,” and praising today’s keynote speaker.
Butterfield called Sen. Joe Biden and statesman and foreign policy expert who “understands the troubles of worried Americans.”
Butterfield said more than one million people have voted early in North Carolina, which he called a key battleground state.
He asked everyone attending to go back to their homes, workplaces and schools and encourage others to vote.
“If we want change, we have to be sure everyone does their part,” Butterfield said.
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Rally under way at ECU
The Early Vote for Change Rally has begun.
Snow Hill Mayor Don Davis opened the event with the invocation and former East Carolina University Student Government Association President Cole Jones led the Pledge of Allegience.
U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield is now speaking.
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Faces in the crowd
Several elected officials are among those attending today’s rally with Sen. Joe Biden.
U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, District 1, arrived moments ago to join others including U.S. House District 3 candidate Craig Weber and District 5 candidate Don Davis.
Pitt County Commissioners Beth Ward, Kenneth Ross and Tom Johnson also are here along with Greenville Mayor Pro-Tem Mildred Council, City Councilman Calvin Mercer and Councilwoman Rose Glover.
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Crowd filing in for Biden
The crowd is starting to file in this morning to see Sen. Joe Biden speak at East Carolina University.
The Democratic vice presidential nominee is scheduled to speak this morning at the brickyard near Mendenhall Student Center. The program gets under way around 10 a.m.
Gates opened shortly before 9 a.m., and a couple of hundred people have passed through. Most are gathering around the stage while a handful have opted for the limited bleacher seating.
Biden is speaking for what the campaign is dubbing a “Early Vote for Change Rally.”
For anyone still wanting to attend, parking is available at Minges Coliseum and Curry Court, the parking lot at the Belk Building. Shuttles are transferring people to the rally.
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Biden plans campaign stop Monday
Vice-presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) plans a Monday morning campaign stop at East Carolina University where he’ll be holding an Early Vote for Change Rally.
Biden plans to meet with students and supporters on the brickyard at Mendenhall Student Center. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the event is to get under way at 10. Tickets are not required.
Parking is available at Minges Coliseum and Curry Court, the parking lot at the Belk Building. Shuttles are planned.
Further details are to be released today.
Biden was in the state Thursday for a bus tour, making stops in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh.
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Burr in Greenville: ‘This race isn’t over’
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R.-N.C.) joined other Republican leaders Friday to re-energize the local party for the final push toward election day.
Burr, appearing at the Greenville Victory 2008 Early Vote rally, asked the supporters to work even harder during the next 11 days, saying he couldn’t imagine any presidential election that is more important. He also stumped for Republican gubernatorial nominee Pat McCrory and for fellow U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who is locked in a battle for her seat against Democratic candidate Kay Hagan.
“You have done a lot” Burr said. “When you leave, I need you to go to your computer and send an e-mail to everyone in your address book and ask them to support these candidates.
“Convey to them why this is so important.”
When asked about the increasing number of early voters this year, Burr said he was impressed with the turnout so far. However, he said, the biggest question is whether this is truly a growth in voter participation, or just voters who wanted to avoid the lines on Nov. 4.
Burr referenced to “Joe the Plumber,” an Ohio plumber who came into the national spotlight after questioning Sen. Barack Obama about his tax plan, as a turning point in the presidential race.
“We are going through the worst financial crisis in our lifetime,” Burr said.
“Average Americans want a smaller government that taxes less, not more.”
About 30 people attended the rally, which was held in front of the Community Schools Building on County Home Road.
Burr thanked his audience for the support and turnout vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin received when she came to Greenville earlier this month.
“People understand that this race isn’t over,” he said. “The national media doesn’t decide the election. The voters do.”
Also speaking at the rally was Linda Daves, North Carolina’;s Republican Party Chairwoman.
Daves told the crowd it is time to turn off the news so they can keep working the polls and calling voters, arguing that if they listened to the media, this election would have been over two months ago.
To help make her point, Daves held up a sheet of paper that pictured former President Harry S. Truman in 1948. In the photo, Truman holds a copy of the early edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune with a headline that read,”;Dewey Defeats Truman.”
“Get out, knock on doors and get people out to vote,” Daves said.
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‘Kumar’ visiting Greenville
Actor Kal Penn, co-star of the “Harold and Kumar” stoner flicks and currently appearing in the Fox TV series “House” is scheduled to visit East Carolina University Saturday.
Penn, who also starred in “The Namesake” is traveling to three North Carolina colleges to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and encourage youth adults to vote.
Penn will be on campus from 11:20-1:50 a.m. in front of Dowdy Student Store, Wright Plaza.
Later, he’ll attend an early voting rally at 2:45 p.m. at UNC-Pembroke and another rally at 6:15 p.m. at Davidson College. He also is schedule to be at UNC-Asheville on Sunday but those details haven’t been released.
In addition to acting, Penn teaches two undergraduate courses in the University of Pennsylvania’s Asian American Studies Program, and is pursuing a graduate certificate in international security from Stanford University.
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Dole schedules Greenville trip
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole is scheduled to stop in Greenville on Sunday as part of a six-day campaign swing through the state.
Dole will appear at a voter rally set for 1 p.m. at the Pitt County Courthouse, 100 W. Third St., according to a news release.
The stop is one of eight she’ll make during the first two days of the event, which is being dubbed “The Elizabus Tour.”
Other Sunday stops include a 3:30 p.m. event at 901 E Ash St., Goldsboro, and at 7:30 p.m. at the Nash/Edgecombe Republican Victory Headquarters, 1826 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount.
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Perdue stumps in Greenville
Nearly 100 people donned “Bev Perdue for Governor” stickers and purchased mugs of coffee, hot chocolate and sweet tea this morning at downtown Greenville’s Tipsy Teapot.
The current lieutenant governor stumped for about 20 minutes during the stop at the Evans Street business. She was introduced by Pitt County Commissioner Beth Ward and N.C. Rep. Edith Warren.
Perdue reviewed her record of service to the state before renewing her pledge to advance North Carolina by creating jobs — especially in “green” industries — and give equal attention to both rural and urban areas.
The crowd consisted of both faithful supporters and several still on the fence. Among the supporters were others running for office, including N.C. Senate District 5 Democratic candidate Don Davis, County Commissioner Melvin McLawhorn and Clerk of Superior Court Sara Beth Fulford Rhodes.
State Board of Education member Kathy Taft, Greenville City Councilman Calvin Mercer and Pitt County school board member Betsy Leech also were present.
Purdue’s opponents are Republican Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and Libertarian Mike Munger.
Perdue led McCrory 48-44 in the latest Public Policy Polling survey, conducted Tuesday. Munger had 4 percent.
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Davis, Pate takes jabs at chamber lunch
Don Davis and Louis Pate on Tuesday at Brook Valley Country Club.
Candidates in the state Senate District 5 race rebuffed their opponent’s campaign advertising during a noon time forum sponsored by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.
District 5 represents all of Greene and parts of Pitt and Wayne counties. Neither candidate running for the seat, Democrat Don Davis, who is currently the mayor of Snow Hill, nor Republican Louis M. Pate Jr., the Republican who currently serves in the state House, lives in Pitt County.
Don Davis was the first to bring up advertising, referring to a Pate ad that attempts to depict Davis as someone who wants to raise taxes while Pate votes against projects like a teapot museum.
“We’re heard about the vote against the teapot, but we haven’t heard about what else hasn’t been voted against,” Davis said.
He went on to state Pate has voted against budgets that included funding for East Carolina University projects, including the dental school and family medicine center construction.
Pate didn’t address Davis’ charge, but countered with his own take on a Davis flyer depicting Pate as a cave dweller.
“Maybe it’s prophetic that I be associated with cave people because we are looking at people losing their houses and who may need to live in caves,” Pate said.
He went on to say that before Americans have to rely on to feet-driven cars found in the “Flintstones” he would support drilling for oil off the state’s coast.
The candidates also addressed issues surrounding the state’s right-to-work rules, providing health insurance, transportation and education.
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Perdue to meet and greet in Greenville area
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue is bringing her campaign for governor back to the Greenville area on Wednesday.
Perdue, who faces Charlotte Mayor Pat McRory in the Nov.4 election, will have a meet and greet at 10:15 a.m. at the Tipsy Teapot, 409 Evans St.
The event at the downtown Greenville venue is open to the public.
Perdue will follow up the event with similar gatherings at Wilber’s BBQ, 4172 U.S. 70 East, Goldsboro, at noon.
A third event is set for Christopher’s Restaurant, 217 N. Queen St., Kinston, at 3 p.m.
Click here for a link to McCrory’s Web site
Click here for a link to Perdue’s Web site
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Hagan aims to fix Washington
U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan stopped by The Daily Reflector office this afternoon to discuss her strategies for fixing a “broken” Washington, D.C., if elected this November.
A 10-year-veteran of the N.C. Senate and co-chair of the budget committee, Hagan touted the successes achieved in that office — ranging from the state’s AAA credit rating and over-funded pension plan to supporting the growth of programs at East Carolina University and other state schools.
She pledged to use stimulus packages to create jobs improving infrastructure, push for further creation of green industries in North Carolina and take a strict stance on illegal immigration.
Hagan leads her opponent, Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole, 49-42 in the Public Policy Polling survey conducted Monday. Libertarian Christopher Cole had 4 percent.
Today and throughout her campaign, Hagan has described Dole as an “ineffective” leader catering to special interest groups and lobbyists who voted in line with President George W. Bush over 90 percent of the time.
Click here for the Hagan Web site.
Click here for the Dole Web site
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Bike4Obama stopping near Bath
Four men will be in the Bath area on Saturday-Monday area as part of the Bike4Obama Project (visit www.bike4obama.com), a 1145-mile bicycle ride from Jacksonville, Florida, to Washington, D.C., in support Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
The two original participants, Eyal Dimant and Jonah Canner of Brooklyn, N.Y., have now enlisted two more riders, Philadelphia transplants Dan Schwartzman and Giga Shane, to join them in the project.
Their efforts began Oct. 7 when held two informal meetings in the Fort Lauderdale area with voters from the Jewish community mistrustful of Obama as a result of his alleged hostility to Israel. From there, they proceeded to Jacksonville, where they began their journey to work with local Obama campaign and Democratic Party outlets in get-out-the-vote activities, marathon fund raising and awareness raising activities through a series of key “red” states — states that no Democratic presidential candidate has won in at least a decade and a half.
Route, donation information and bios are available at www.bike4obama.com. The “Donate” link goes directly to the barackobama.com page, and the money is not handled by any third party associated with Bike4Obama.
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Appellate candidate campaigns in Pitt County
A candidate for the state Court of Appeals said that judicial body should deliver rulings in a more timely manner.
Dan Barrett, a Davie County attorney seeking the seat currently held by Linda Stephens, said appellate court decisions are suppose to be handed down in three months.
A “significant number” come after that period, Barrett said.
He couldn’t provide exact numbers on how many rulings come after the 90-day period but said his opponent has issued 35 rulings that took four months or longer.
Barrett was in Pitt County Friday morning meeting with local attorneys and people working at the courthouse. He was planning additional stops in other local counties.
Barrett is a former Davie County commissioner who unsuccessfully sought the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2004.
As part of that 2004 campaign he walked from Murphey to Manteo.
Click here for a link to his Web site.
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Police group endorses McLawhorn
The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association endorsed N.C. Rep. Marian McLawhorn, D-Pitt, for re-election to N.C. House District 6.
McLawhorn met with the organization to discuss issues surrounding the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers throughout the state.
McLawhorn is being challenged by Republican Ginny Cooper of Winterville in this year’s election.
The association is funded through membership dues and citizen contributions and works to support law enforcement officers by advocating changes to improve the quality of work life for its members and lobby for political action.
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Perdue wants panel to help provide bold leadership
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue stopped by The Daily Reflector office Thursday afternoon to discuss her platform, insisting she will be a bold and hands-on leader if elected governor this November.
She listed executive orders and directives she plans to tackle her first day in office. They included appointing an accountability team to make unannounced inspections of state facilities such as mental health hospitals and probation offices, she said.
She also would appoint a citizen panel to develop 10 major budget reform measures for the legislature to vote on individually, she said.
“I’ve been the state budget chair, so I know where some of the potholes are,” she said. “I want to find 10 or 15 of the best and brightest minds in North Carolina, Republican, Democrat … I’m gonna ask them to spend some really long hours, for free, helping me figure out what it is we can do better.”
The visit was the second to the Reflector’s office in three weeks.
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Win the chance to meet Gov. Sarah Palin
The NC McCain/Palin Team has sent out a mass e-mail to supporters offering a chance to meet Gov. Palin during her next trip to North Carolina. The date and location were not specified.
“Victory 2008 is starting a contest (today) for the top three callers statewide over the next five days,” the message states.
The top three callers must make a minimum of 1,000 calls before Victory Offices close on Monday night.
Greenville’s Victory Office is located at 103B Commerce St. Call 321-1996
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Dole visits PCMH
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., praised Pitt County Memorial Hospital and its parent corporation Tuesday morning for delivering state-of-the-art health care to eastern North Carolina.
Dole, who is completing her first term in the U.S. Senate, toured University Health Systems Children’s Hospital, located on the PCMH campus, the day after participating in a Republican voters rally with GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
“It’s so impressive to me what they are doing with the neonatal unit,” Dole said. “These folks are visionary.”
She also toured the new Heart Center’s six-story, $150 million patient care tower. The 120-bed structure is scheduled to open early next year.
The Children’s Hospital had 6,513 inpatient admissions in fiscal year 2008. The hospital, which services as a teaching institution for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, operates a pediatric outpatient center that cares for nearly 52,000 patients annually.
Hospital administrators want to expand the existing facility which has 50 beds.
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Palin entourage stops traffic on the way out
It wasn’t the usual railroad traffic that hampered commuters making the east-west trip through Greenville Wednesday morning: it was the Palin Express.
Area law enforcement shut down Memorial Drive shortly after 10:30 a.m. so Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin could catch her flight out of Greenville. Normal traffic flow resumed shortly after 10:45 a.m.
Palin spent the night at the Hilton Greenville after watching some of the presidential debate at the newly opened Boli’s on the Boulevard.
Palin, her campaign staff and the national press corps flew out of Pitt-Greenville Airport at about 11 a.m. in an Embraer-190, 100-seat twin-engine jet, said airport manager Jim Turcotte.
Airport operations continued as normal during Palin’s visit, Turcotte said, although local, state and federal law enforcement provided around-the-clock supervision of the jet.
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Palin appeals to large crowd
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wasted no time appealing to the Greenville crowd.
Moments after taking the stage, Palin said it was a pleasure to be in Sportstown USA and commended East Carolina for its two upset victories in football weeks ago.
“Sounds like Greenville knows a little something about how to turn an underdog into a victor,” Palin said.
In the early going, Palin has spent considerable time criticizing Obama for looking backward, cutting off funding for troops and using politics to promote his own career.
She hailed Sen. John McCain as the leader this country needs because of his military service and willingness to cut government spending.
“He is the only candidate running for president with a track record of actually making things happen,” Palin said of McCain.
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Palin has entered the arena
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has taken the stage.
The Alaska governor was introduced by Sen. Richard Burr at 7:30 p.m.
“She is one of us,” Burr told the crowd. “Every day she wakes up and balances her professional life with her family life. She wakes up and has breakfast with her kids just like you and I.”
Burr noted that some might call Palin a “gun-toting woman,” and reminded everyone that she has been a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
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Palin in route to Minges
Rally emcee Henry Hinton just announced that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is on her way to Minges Coliseum.
She will be introduced by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr.
In the meantime, the crowd is watching a video about Sen. John McCain focusing on his military service.
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Dole speaks on economy, her opponent
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole called Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin “brilliant” and said she credits McCain for continuing to push hard for the war in Iraq.
Dole also said McCain understood the economic problems facing the country and he had joined her in trying to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac several years ago.
“It is too bad that the Democrats didn’t listen earlier,” Dole said. “They did not listen to the Republicans and they should have because we were the ones trying to push legislation through.”
“They break something and try to blame it on the Republicans, and then it’s a bumper sticker,” Dole added. “We ain’t going to let that happen this time.”
Dole claimed her opponent, Democrat Kay Hagan, has ties New York Sen. Chuck Schumer who lobbied for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and her campaign is receiving money for him.
She told the crowd to be prepared for higher taxes if Democrats gain control of congress.
Dole also participated in a “Nobama” chant before leaving the stage.
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Family torn as election day nears
Terrencia Robinson of Washington, N.C., couldn’t believe she was standing outside Minges Colsieum early Tuesday evening.
Decked out with campaign buttons picturing Barack and Michelle Obama, the lifelong Democrat joined her adult daughter, Joy, in hopes of seeing Sarah Palin.
“I’ve been taking her to the polls since was was little and she does this to me,” Robinson said, cupping her daughter’s chin in her hand. “I raised a respectable young lady to have her own opinions and choices.”
Joy Robinson said she disagreed with many McCain policies but couldn’t miss a chance to see Palin.
“I just love her personality. Everyone disses me about it,” the Queen’s University student said.
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McCrory excites Minges crowd
Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory was greeted by a standing ovation in Minges Coliseum.
McCrory, the mayor of Charlotte, said he believes GOP presidential candidate John McCain “gets it” and that is why he selected a former mayor as his running mate.
McCrory spoke out against what he called a culture of arrogance in government and said the time for change is now.
The gubernatorial hopeful also spoke out in favor of clean coal technology, conservation and offshore drilling which brought chants of “Drill baby drill” from the crowd.
“Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue recently said she was 100 percent opposed to offshore drilling,” McCrory said. “She said it would not happen on her watch. She is right. It will happen on my watch.”
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Preston, Pate praise McCain and Palin
State Senate candidate Jean Preston and Louis Pate just wrapped up their comments.
Preston, who is seeking re-election in District 2, called the GOP presidential ticket the most dynamic ever and said people love Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin because she is “a straight-talking, conservative woman.”
Preston also commended Sen. John McCain for his ability to think outside of the box.
“Politically one could argue that there has never been a more outside-the-box decision than his selection of Gov. Palin,” Preston said.
Pate, who is running for the District 5 spot, said eastern North Carolina needs to pull itself up from poor economic conditions.
“Only a change in the governor’s office and the legislature will help North Carolina be part of the solution,” Pate said.
Pate said the crowd should prepare itself for “Pirate-style electricity” tonight.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory is next.
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Coulson addresses crowd
Tom Coulson, Pitt County’s only Republican commissioner, just spoke to the anxious crowd at Minges Coliseum.
Coulson said he hopes all voters will remember the candidates on the down ballots in November and vote conservative.
He said he supports Sarah Palin because she has charisma and charm.
“She is an unapologetic conservative and that is what we need,” Coulson said.
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Palin plane running behind
The flight bringing Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin to Greenville will not land until 6:50 p.m., a source at The Daily Reflector has learned.
Palin’s flight was originally scheduled to touch down at the Pitt-Greenville Airport around 5:45 p.m.
Palin is scheduled to speak at 7:05 p.m., but that appears unlikely now.
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Schedule set for rally
Republicans have brought out plenty of state party leaders and elected representatives, including the state two U.S. senators, for tonight’s event.
Volunteers just distributed a schedule of events for tonight and speakers listed include U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Dole, GOP gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory and state senate candidates Jean Preston and Louis Pate.
Preston will speak first. Her remarks are tentatively set for 5:50 p.m.
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The rally is under way
Local radio personality Henry Hinton was the first to take the stage. He will be serving as this evening’s emcee.
After leading the crowd in a “McCain! Palin!” chant, Hinton introduced the Wells Family Band from Clinton. The five-person ensemble is now entertaining folks with bluegrass.
The crowd is still filing in, but more than half of Minges Coliseum is filled.
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Family thrilled to see Palin
Pam Ross of Washington, N.C., was an admirer of Sarah Palin long before Palin entered the national spotlight.
Ross, 43, is the mother of teenage twin girls and 17-month-old Lawson, who was born with Down Syndrome.
When she learned the governor of Alaska was having a baby with Down, Ross said she believed the disabled community had found an important voice.
Palin’s voice became even stronger when she was became the Republican Party’s vice presidential nominee and said she would advocate for the disabled from the White House.
“My goal when Lawson was born was to make sure his life was as high a quality as it could be,” Ross said.
Ross brought her children to Minges Coliseum Tuesday morning for a chance to attend Palin’s rally.
They weren’t able to secure tickets but were hopeful that Palin might make a brief appearance before the crowd that couldn’t make it inside the building.
However, event organizers learned about the family and invited them to join the crowd on the arena floor.
“We’re just so excited,” Ross said as her daughters Ashley and Jenna snagged pompoms from campaign staff.
“We’re going to lift Lawson up so everyone can see him. This is a blessing for us,” she said.
Ross said Lawson has turned her into an advocate for families with children who have disabilities.
She said she wants people who’ve learned their child has Down Syndrome to know much of the information about the genetic disorder is outdated and many children can be high achievers.
“Lawson is perfectly healthy and has met everyone of his milestones,” she said.
Ross said she can’t wait to tell Lawson about the day he saw Palin speak.
“I can tell him I did everything I could to make sure your life was the highest quality it could be.”
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Signs of demonstration
A group of five demonstrators stood at the entrance of Minges Coliseum at 4:45 putting down the Palin-McCain ticket. They held the signs with the following slogans:
Sarah Palin Woman of Mass Destruction
McCain-Pailin A ticket to nowhere
American needs more than Joe Six-pack as president (A drawing was used instead of words for “six-pack”)
A woman candidate is not the same as a woman’s candidate
McCain-Palin 2008: Because eight years of hell is not enough
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Rally gear being distributed
Republican volunteers have started handing out rally supplies to the standing room crowd close to the main stage.
The crowd is being given purple and gold pom-poms and purple foam fingers reading “Let’s Go Pirates.”
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Overflow crowd being directed to football stadium
An East Carolina University official has confirmed that anyone wanting to watch Sarah Palin’s speech who doesn’t have a ticket can do so at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
A live feed from inside Minges Coliseum is currently being played on the stadium’s scoreboard, ECU Director of Athletic Video Greg Pierce said.
As of right now, the debate will not be televised outside, he said. It will be available at 9 p.m. inside Minges Coliseum following Palin’s speech.
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8,000 tickets distributed
Doors opened at 3:30 p.m. and hundreds of people began to file into the gate, according to a reporter at the scene.
An official with the campaign said 8,000 tickets had been distributed, and that everyone with a ticket would be admitted to the event.
An overflow area is available for those who don’t have tickets at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Minges holds at 8,000 people.
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A look inside Minges
The stage is set for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin inside Minges Coliseum.
As the crowd files in, it is being greeted by red, white and blue bunting around half of the facility and about 100 handmade signs placed in seats behind and beside the stage.
There also is a “Victory in North Carolina” sign the length of one seating section hanging near the stage.
Beside the main podium is a smaller stage which includes a cello, several guitars and a pair of banjos. No official word yet on who will be performing, but it seems certain from talking to people that there will be no solos by Palin this evening.
Meanwhile a variety of music, mostly of the country variety, is being played in the coliseum.
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Palin fans speaking out
Byron Aynes said he wasn’t going to miss Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speak tonight, even if he isn’t old enough to cast a vote next month.
Aynes, 17, is joining six of his Greenville Christian Academy classmates today for the rally at East Carolina University’s Minges Coliseum.
Among the issues Aynes said he would like to hear Palin address were gay rights and abortion.
“I hope she pounds that and really lets people know where she stands,” Aynes said. “I want her to come out as a real conservative leader.”
Aynes said he has noticed a lot of his peers supporting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, but he often tries to convince them otherwise.
“It’s a good thing that they care though because I think it is important that young people are concerned about their well-being,” Aynes said. “I wish more people would take action and get involved.”
John Stallings traveled from Windsor today to see the rally. He said he hopes that Palin continues to point out flaws in Obama.
“I think he is about raising taxes and he might be a Muslim although he claims to be a Christian,” Stallings, 86, said. “I am very skeptical.”
Stallings said Palin’s values were in line with his and he agrees with her policies 100 percent.
Greenville’s Amanda Allen, 22, and Clinton Melton, 25, were the first ones in line today. The two Republicans said they arrived around 9 a.m.
Allen said she hopes Palin addresses the economy and foreign policy tonight.
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Crowd starts to line up
Hundreds of people had lined up outside Minges Coliseum at by 3 p.m. today to see Sarah Palin.
People brought chairs to sit in, umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, and fast-food to munch on while they waited for doors to open at 4 p.m.
The mild weather was making for a pleasant wait, while scores of police officers patrolled the area, some searching with dogs.
The GOP vice presidential candidate is scheduled to speak there later tonight. Officials