10/15/08 — A campaign stop in Meadville by two former Democratic governors drew a crowd of about 90 people Tuesday afternoon to rally area Barack Obama supporters and to spread what they see as the candidate’s message of change.
Ray Mabus of Mississippi and Jim Hodges of South Carolina have been campaigning together on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama and spent several hours in Meadville talking to supporters
Hodges, who served as governor from 1999 to 2003 and spent 11 years in the North Carolina state House of Representatives, told the crowd that what separates the Obama-Joe Biden campaign from previous elections is that Democrats “didn’t work hard enough.”
“The sound of a winning campaign” is people coming from out of town to spread the word locally, according to Hodges, who challenged people to commit to energy independence, health care for those who need it, and better education for children.
Mabus, who was governor of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992, told supporters “there are two ways to run a campaign: scared and unopposed,” and with only three weeks left until the election, he said “we haven’t won a thing yet.”
From outside of the Obama Campaign for Change headquarters on Chestnut Street, Mabus said he signed up with Obama a year and a half ago and Pennsylvania is the 28th state he has visited on Obama’s behalf.
Mabus, who currently works in international business and served as an ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1994 to 1996, said it’s imperative for the Democratic Party to “work hard over the next three weeks because we have got to change the direction of this country ... and change the direction of the economy.”
Both former governors said what’s happening in northwestern Pennsylvania with the economy is happening everywhere and that it’s necessary to give the middle class a tax cut and “end our dependence on foreign oil.”
“The loss of jobs, so many people without health insurance and educational system that desperately needs improving — we cannot stand four more years of the last eight,” Mabus said, in reference to Republican President George W. Bush.
GOV. RENDELL TO APPEAR
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is scheduled to be the featured speaker at the Crawford County Democratic Party’s fall banquet Saturday night at the Italian Civic Club, 869 Water St., Meadville.
Rendell is scheduled to speak at the dinner at approximately 8 p.m.
Local News
Former governors make stop on Obama campaign trail
- Local News
-
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
-
Fire guts historic Vernon Township building
“Another landmark gone,” Sandy Porter of the Crawford County Historical Society said as he looked across the street at the large red-brick building gutted by fire early Sunday just outside Meadville’s city limits.
-
No snow? Road crews have plenty to keep them busy
Patching potholes, clearing ditches and readying equipment for spring projects: Those are a few of the ways area crews have been keeping busy in recent days as Mother Nature’s decidedly spring-like behavior has caused road departments to start switching gears.
-
News analysis: Romney proves he's tough and adaptable
Mitt Romney’s resounding win in the Florida GOP primary last week is a warning shot to any Democrats who think the former Massachusetts governor will be a soft target.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
