Evan Dawson (Rochester, NY) 02/23/04 - Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards came to Rochester Sunday night to fire up support for his challenge to Senator John Kerry.
An overflow crowd of nearly 500 people packed into the Unite Union Hall on East Avenue to hear him speak.
When asked why he’s spending so much time in upstate New York when his opponent has not campaigned here, Edwards said, "Every place we've gone, we're surging up on election day. Everywhere. The same thing will happen here in New York…if you care about it, you come here and campaign.
“That's what I'm doing -- so I can talk directly to voters, and I want them to know that when I'm president, I will be here, and I stand up for them…and I'm showing them that by being here."
Anyone who did not get to the hall an hour early had to the watch him on a remote television monitor in a different room.
The senator didn't wait long to drive home his message on trade.
"This administration understands what free trade is, but we're going to teach them what fair trade is in this election," he said.
He also ripped the current administration for its stance that Americans can benefit when jobs are sent overseas.
"Let me tell you what would be good for the American economy, it would be -- to outsource this administration!” Edwards said to a cheering crowd.
He also spoke about the high taxes New Yorkers pay. He proposed spending $50 billion to help states like New York pay for Medicaid.
"We shouldn't have two tax systems in this country -- one for big corporations and special interests, and the other for -- wait, let me think -- you!
"You're carrying the tax burden, and everyone knows it," he said.
Many in the audience support the senator.
"He's really magnetic,” said one, “very vibrant, and he's got a good personality."
"You get that exchange, and just seeing him …there's a magnetic pull,” said another.
One issue Edwards spoke briefly about -- was the situation in Iraq. However, he said he looks forward to debating President Bush on that subject more extensively.
Edwards' wife Elizabeth will be in Rochester on Wednesday, February 25.
John Kerry is scheduled to visit upstate New York March 1, but it’s unclear if he'll come to Rochester. Kerry has agreed to a debate in New York. That's scheduled for Sunday morning, February 29, in New York City.
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