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Monday, 18 August 2008 |
By ANDREA POTEET
Staff Writer
WAPAKONETA — To win votes for Democratic Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama, area Democrats need to be visible, an Auglaize County Democratic Party official says, and with a grand opening ceremony Friday, they should be visible to anyone driving down Perry Street.
The Auglaize Democratic Party hosted a grand opening celebration of its 2008 Campaign Headquarters Friday evening at 3 Perry St.
“Auglaize County currently has a record number of registered Democrats,” Auglaize County Democratic Party Chair Steve Walter said. “I think it’s important that we have the visibility and the resources to serve that constituency. The more education and outreach we have, the more democrats we’ll have.”
The office is to be fully staffed until election day, Nov. 4, and is to serve as a voter registration center, a hub for information about national and local Democratic candidates, and a social center for Democrats, representing eastern Auglaize County, Walter said.
The grand opening was the earliest opening of a Democratic office in Auglaize County history, he said.
The office was opened early to keep pace with the grass roots-level Obama campaign, which is working in all 88 counties in Ohio.
“Typically in rural Ohio, you’re used to seeing campaign representatives a week to 10 days before the election,” Walters said. “The Obama campaign does outreach everywhere and early.”
The space was donated by Walters’ wife, Wapakoneta City Auditor Gail Walters. It is to run with approximately 100 volunteer hours per week, he said.
Campaign literature is available for Democratic candidates running for local offices, as well as for Obama campaign.
“It gives me a spot in Wapakoneta,” Auglaize County Commissioner Democratic Candidate Brent Henschen said. “People can pick up literature and have a sign in their yard.”
Wapakoneta Mayor Rodney Metz, a Democrat, said the headquarters should help educate potential voters.
“It’s a way to get the message out and for voters to ask questions,” Metz said. “We need everyone to vote with an educational background and know what they’re voting for.”
Mike Carroll, candidate for the Ohio 4th Congressional seat, said he attended the grand opening to connect with voters. Auglaize County was the 12th stop on his campaign tour across the state.
He said the headquarters should encourage a higher voter turnout on Nov. 4.
“I’ve talked to people in the other 11 counties who have never voted and they are excited to this year,” Carroll said.
Cory Lykins, of St. Marys, said it is important for Democrats to have a voice in a traditionally conservative county.
“There’s an assumption that Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer counties are hardcore Republicans,” Lykins said. “That’s not the case. We have doctors, pastors and farmers who are all Democrats. They’re interested in creating a better standard of living for people.
“We’re not so far removed,” he said.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 22 August 2008 )
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