Politics

Local Democrats Happy With Choice Of Biden For VP

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― After a long wait and much speculation, Sen. Barack Obama has selected Sen. Joe Biden, of Delaware, as his running mate.

With the choice finally made, some local Democrats say they believe, Sen. Obama hit a homerun with his selection of Pennsylvania-born Sen. Biden. They say they hope that Biden with Obama can deliver a knock-out punch to opponent Sen. John McCain, right here in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Biden is no stranger to Pittsburgh, he has campaigned for local Democrats like his long-time friend, Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein.

"Basically, he's the third senator from Pennsylvania," said Weinstein. "He's always been considered that way. He's an Irish Catholic. He's a strong proponent of civil rights for people, the working men and women. He's a blue-collar senator. He has a fantastic reputation with labor."

County Executive Dan Onorato says Biden's foreign policy expertise helps Obama in this state.

"He also brings a very long experience with foreign policy. He brings maybe what the criticism of Sen. Obama not having experience yet, Joe Biden probably has more experience than anyone in the Senate, as it relates to foreign policy," said Onorato.

Biden, well-known in Philadelphia, is someone Pa. Democrats have called on, in the past.

"Many times, when we've only had Republican senators and needed something on the Democratic side of the aisle, all of us have gone to Joe for help," said Gov. Ed Rendell.

But Allegheny County Republican Chair Jim Roddey doesn't think Biden will help Obama defeat McCain in this state.

"He could have chosen better," said Roddey. "Actually, the Republicans, I think we are pleased that that's going to be his running mate. I think a stronger person with Pennsylvania roots would have been Hillary."

But some local Democrats think the pick will do the trick.

"Biden brings a depth of foreign policy experience and just an overall depth of experience that is really going to strengthen the ticket," said Jennifer England, of Greenfield.

"I think he brings a lot of things to the ticket that Hillary would have brought, like white working class vote that I think Biden's going to help unify that behind Obama," added Justine Mark, of Squirrel Hill.

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