Politics

Obama, McCain Campaigns Vie For Spotlight

BEAVER (KDKA) ― Presidential campaigns are fighting for the spotlight.

Sen. John McCain introduced his surprising pick for vice president while Sen. Barack Obama begins his post-convention push in Beaver County.

After visiting a biodiesel fuel plant in Potter Township, Obama and his running mate Sen. Joe Biden are having a rally in Beaver.

Organizers started early to prepare for the event.

"This is fantastic," Beaver County Commissioner Joe Spanik, a Democrat, said. "The last time this event was like this was when John F. Kennedy came into Beaver County."

It's a visit surprised everyone but will give local residents a first look at the Democratic ticket.

"It also shows the commitment that Sen. Obama has to western Pennsylvania," U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-McCandless, said. "He could have been anywhere in the country - this is the biggest day of his life the day after his convention speech when he starts his tour across the country and he chose Beaver County, western Pennsylvania to start that tour."

Winning Beaver County is important, local officials say.

"We are one of the 13 counties in the whole United States that a Democrat must win, must win to get elected President and I think that's one of the main reasons why they're here," Commissioner Tony Amedio, D-Beaver County, said.

Obama's acceptance speech at the DNC was a winner for many local residents.

"I saw his speech last night and I was just overwhelmed," Chuck Barrickman, from Brighton, said.

Supporters of Sen. John McCain were making their voices heard as well.

"I support Mr. McCain and I'm glad Mr. Obama's here to have his time, he deserves it, but I want him to know that there's people who do like the other candidate also," James Bango, from Rochester, said.

McCain will hold a rally at 3 p.m. Saturday at Consol Energy Park in Washington.

Meanwhile, Sen. Biden is scheduled to be in Pittsburgh on Monday to march in the city's Labor Day parade.

The festivities start at 10 a.m. near Mellon Arena and marches through the city streets ending at Commonwealth Place.

Stay with KDKA for full coverage of this event.

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