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Strickland, Brown, Space campaign for Obama in Y City ZANESVILLE - As a concerned voter, Bill Anderson of Zanesville was eager to learn how a few Ohio leaders viewed the election and issues facing those in Southeast Ohio. "I want to hear what they have to say," he said. "I'm definitely looking for a change. For eight years the Republicans have been messing things up; they shouldn't have a candidate on the ballot who will mess things up more." Anderson was part of the crowd that filled the local Ohio for Change office on Muskingum Avenue Friday afternoon for the Economic Town Hall Meeting featuring Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep. Zack Space. "This is impressive," said Kathy Brantley, a local Barack Obama supporter and campaign volunteer. "We've got a nice crowd. It's standing room only." After welcoming remarks from Jennifer Stewart, a candidate for the 94th District State Representative seat, and campaign representative Sara Eckhouse, Space took the stage. "Why are we in this situation?" Space posed to the audience about the economy. "It's because of failed leadership at the very top. We're at a crossroads in history. Barack Obama represents a huge step forward in many different directions. The number of working poor is a troubling statistic and it's time for a change." After speaking about local and national economic struggles, the crowd was on its feet for a standing ovation as Space introduced Strickland. Strickland appealed to what many of the audience members were thinking, and was met with many thunderous rounds of applause. "It's pathetic that 9/11 is used as the excuse for every bad decision this president has made," he said. "The Republicans got rid of regulation and changed the tax code. They instituted a tax policy benefiting the wealthiest one percent and expected the working middle class to carry the burden. We're spending $10 billion to $12 billion a month to rebuild Iraq when they have a budget surplus and our roads and bridges are going without." Strickland also urged the crowd to continue their campaigning efforts. Brown was also met with a standing ovation. "This election is so important, and you need to look at all the major issues that divide the candidates," he said. "What matters most is not the speeches any of us give, or the ads on TV. The grassroots efforts of the Obama campaign are also important, but what matters most is what you do individually. It's important to talk to people, especially the young people; we need you guys out there." Even though they aren't old enough to vote in this election, Zanesville teens Chase Norton and Chase Fisher hoped to gain more knowledge about the leaders representing them. "I came because of the Democratic representatives; they show great leadership qualities," said Norton, 16. "I wanted to see support for Obama, and this was a good experience." "I saw Zack Space speak at my school a couple months ago, and saw Brown and Strickland in Dublin," added Fisher, 16. "It was a good experience to see how they stand on the issues, and I wanted to come out and learn more." Source: |