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Upcoming Palin visit causing a buzz of activity
By Michael Abramowitz
The Daily Reflector
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sarah Palin's vice-presidential debate Thursday caused a buzz of activity Friday in the GOP in Pitt County as local Republicans prepared to welcome the Alaska governor to town.
Gov. Palin is set to appear Tuesday in Minges Coliseum on the campus of East Carolina University. Though the doors open at 4 p.m., the GOP has not announced the time of her arrival.
Hundreds lined up at county party headquarters on Commerce Street throughout the day Friday for tickets to the event, only to be turned away by 1 p.m. A late afternoon influx of more tickets from state Republican headquarters sent people scurrying back to the building. They were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a local party representative.
Individuals who signed up earlier in the day received calls notifying them of availability, but the tickets were available to anyone.
Originally, there were 2,300 tickets for local supporters, so they disappeared quickly. The party received the tickets a day early, according to volunteer Vicky Borne, and the early birds got the free tickets, leaving others waiting.
“The first people to sign up were called and given the opportunity for tickets,” Borne said, “Then, whatever was left ran out by 1 p.m. Counties will negotiate to determine the distribution of remaining tickets.”
By 3 p.m. it was clear to Borne that there would not be enough tickets for everyone who wants to see Palin inside Minges, and shehad to share the news with Palin's posse.
Most of the disappointed supporters remained in line, however, to place their names on a waiting list to scoop up tickets from no-shows.
Recognizing that the event is likely to draw an overflow crowd, Republicans already have begun to develop plans for an outdoor sound system that will enable them to share her speech with those beyond the coliseum doors. Winterville resident Mack Pollard said he'd be there, even if he had to stand outside.
“I like this. She's the new Ronald Reagan,” he said. “He's been reincarnated in female form. I think she'll come outside because she's a person of the people.”
The good news for local ticket hopefuls was that the remaining 5,700 tickets — Minges holds about 8,000 — were distributed through party offices statewide. That means there could be lots of empty seats Tuesday.
That point wasn't lost on many standing in line in Greenville, who remained hopeful.
John and Joanne Hartsell, of Winterville, thought it was a good idea to share tickets with other counties.
“Yes, we're disappointed to be late, but we don't think Pitt County should monopolize the tickets,” John Hartsell said.
His wife was lukewarm, though, on the idea of being outside for the event.
“We might go there, but I don't want to just hear her; I'd really rather be inside to see what she has to say,” Joanne Hartsell said.
John Cayton, Greenville, waited patiently for his chance to sign up for tickets, knowing his chances were growing shorter by the minute.
“She represents people like me, regular folks,” Cayton said. “I'm a conservative, and so is she.”
Madeleine Tingen, of Greenville was in line about 15 minutes when she got the news the tickets had all been passed out.
“The news probably spread like wildfire, so now instead of picking up tickets, I'm signing a list,” Tingen said. But she remained hopeful that some inside party connections would come through with tickets. “I want to see history happening,” she said.
Tingen said she was inspired to turn out from what she saw of Palin's Thursday night vice-presidential debate with Democratic Party candidate Joseph Biden.
The atmosphere turned concert-like for Tammy Daughtry, of Greenville, who stood at the rear of the line that doubled in size in 30 minutes.
“McCain and Palin rock,” she said.
Contact Michael Abramowitz at mabramowitz@coxnc.com or (252) 329-9571.
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Your comments
Let's get the truth...
10/06/2008 11:19:33 AM
I'm not going to bash Sarah Palin or say she isn't welcome to Greenville, but I want all you churchgoers to Google or YouTube: Pastor Thomas Muthee
Suggest removalThis is the guy whos prayers Sarah Palin claims helped her become elected Alaskan Governor. As a religious person this scares the crap out of me. I included links to a video. Please watch and let me know what you think. This woman could possibly possess the nuclear codes to our country. Scary thought.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igFiyyFTF88
US Citizen
10/06/2008 07:57:12 AM
While we are all entitled to our beliefs, we still need to respect those of others. I am not ashamed to be a McCain supporter, but you did not hear me say Obama was not welcomed here. You are a rude, close minded person. What are you, a citizen of that 57th Islamic STATE? McCain is loyal to this country and the people in each of it's 50 states. I'll pull my head out of the clouds, if you pull yours out of your @
Suggest removalwls
10/05/2008 02:41:03 PM
I do not care for any of the politicians. I woke up and realized the truth. Politics is a sham. I will never vote for anyone. No matter who is in office, it will not matter. Each President will have his hands tied, even the one some people call "The Chosen One". McCain is straight up at times, while Obama talks a good game. Let's be realistic, Obama will hardly be able to do all the things he claims if he makes it to office.
Suggest removalJWJ
10/05/2008 04:12:00 AM
Palin isn't welcome here! She and McCain can go elsewhere! There is nothing she can say to make me vote for them! I'm sick of Bush and I don't want anyone else in the white house like him! She can't even control her own children let along the US. Please McCain/Palin supporters get your heads out of the clouds!
Suggest removalMelbabe
10/05/2008 12:43:06 AM
Um, WLS, I felt the same way about Bush and thus never voted for him. The question is, if you feel that way about Bush, why didn't you learn your lesson? Palin is Bush, but worse. Get a grip, will ya? Think before you vote, people!
Suggest removalwls
10/04/2008 11:02:34 PM
Melbabe,
Suggest removalI think we already have someone in office who does not know what he is talking about. His name is George W. Bush, who happens to be our current President. He also has no knowledge of world affairs. Bush has led this country for almost an 8 year term. I found this embarrising and horrifying at the same time. Have you gone insane??? Think before you write for once, please!
Melbabe
10/04/2008 09:14:46 PM
Palin has no knowledge of the world. She doesn't know what she's talking about and would be a horror of a vice-president. I find it irresponsible for McCain to have chosen her and irresponsible for anyone to vote for her. How can you care about your country and think someone with no knowledge of world affairs should lead the world? Have you all gone insane? Think of the country for once, please!
Suggest removalwls
10/04/2008 08:43:20 PM
Why are you all comparing VP canidate Palin to Presidential canidate Obama??? A lot of you must think she is running for President. A Winterville resident calling her the "new Ronald Reagan". That does not say much because he was not a good President. Palin is against Pro Choice and supports oil drilling in Alaska. I'm sure her constiuents are against oil companies drilling on their land.
Suggest removalGreen-e
10/04/2008 06:51:13 PM
Factiod - what "experience" do you claim Palin has? Mayor of a tiny town? Governor of Alaska for 2 years? Obama has been IN Washington, and thus is vastly more experienced in national politics than Palin.
Suggest removalltp
10/04/2008 11:50:35 AM
I would rather have Palin deal with Putin than an elitist wussy like Oba-same-a. He would see nothing wrong with a socialist government trying to gain control. He might even ask the Russian's help in trying to gain control of his subjects.
Suggest removalfactoid
10/04/2008 09:22:02 AM
For Insulted, the chosen one who heads the opposition ticket has less experience than Sarah Palin so your comment really applies doubly so to him. Think Insulted.
Suggest removalInsulted
10/04/2008 08:13:35 AM
I am insulted that after all of the progress women have made in this country in the last 40 years the Republican party suggests that she appeals to women like me. She is an embarrassment to the United States. If she fell apart talking to Katie Couric, what will happen when she sits down with Putin and he rears his ugly head? Think, Greenvile, Think America. IS this who you want representing us in our critical moment of need?
Suggest removalKatie
10/04/2008 08:08:08 AM
Palin represents everything that has been wrong with the last eight years. In addition to pushing an agenda of 4 more of the same, Palin wants to be given more Legislative power as the VP. **** Cheney exemplified all that is corrupt and wrong in Washington and she is asking for more power.
Suggest removalPost a Comment
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