FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Mike Morsch
King of Prussia - April 04, 2008
There was a time when the Montgomery County Democratic Committee couldn't draw flies to its annual spring reception.
That was because the county was decidedly Republican, and had been for a long time.
But with Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama criss-crossing the state leading up to
the big April 22 primary, it was appearances by the candidates' surrogates -- Chelsea Clinton with Gov. Ed Rendell in
town representing her mother and Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy representing Obama - that drew between 500 and 600 local party faithful to the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia - King of Prussia Hotel Thursday evening for the committee's spring reception.
"I don't have to tell you how exciting a time this is for Montgomery County," said county Democratic Chairman Marcel Groen. "For decades, this county has been a Republican stalwart. But before April 22, I can assure you we will be the majority party in this county. We are here to stay."
As evidence, Groen said that as far back as 10 or 12 years ago, registered Republicans outnumbered registered Democrats by a 2-1 margin in the county. But as of April 3, there were approximately 240,000 registered Republicans in Montgomery County as compared to more than 237,000 registered Democrats.
For Sen. Clinton's supporters, daughter Chelsea was the main event.
"It's so exciting to see so much support for my mom," said the 28-year-old Clinton, who along with Rendell worked the room chatting with supporters and posing for pictures. "I do believe she is the most progressive and prepared candidate. And it's great to be here with Gov. Rendell and so many others who strongly support my mom."
But the political heavy lifting in support of Sen. Clinton was left to Rendell, who good-naturedly suggested that those not showing him the courtesy of listening to him during his time on the microphone would have their taxes audited.
"I've been campaigning with Democratic presidential candidates since 1980 and I can assure you that Hillary Clinton is the best-prepared candidate I have ever worked with - even better than Bill Clinton," said the governor. "I believe we have two good candidates, but we've got one candidate who is ready to go now, someone who I guarantee will never rest to achieve our goals."
Rendell urged those who are still undecided to look at the Web sites of each candidate and examine the four big issues: the economy, health care, energy and education.
"I guarantee you Hillary Clinton gets it," on those issues, said Rendell.
Kennedy, who arrived later in the evening after Chelsea Clinton and Gov. Rendell had exited, was just as passionate about Obama.
"I've got the best news for you, and that's nine months from now, George Bush won't be the president," said Kennedy, who was flanked on stage by some of the local politicos. "Make no mistake, the reason you are on the move here in Montgomery County is that you have the men and women here who have done the hard work."
The senior senator from Massachusetts with the most famous and powerful family name in the Democratic Party, stayed on point for Obama talking about the economy, health care, education and the war in Iraq.
"The reason you are here this evening is that you care about some of the fundamental things in your life - you care about your family and its future," said Kennedy. "There is a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty out there and the question is, are we going to have someone lift us up as a nation so that we can come together and solve our problems?
"We have an opportunity to take a hold of our challenges and conquer our challenges," Kennedy said. "I hope that on inauguration day, when Barack Obama raises his right hand to take the oath, that we have a new sense of hope and that our greatest days will be ahead."