|
A protester disrupts Mitt Romney's campaign rally on Thursday. |
Jobs, jobs, jobs.
Job creation was the No. 1 election issue for many people attending presidential candidate Mitt Romney's rally on Thursday at the state fairgrounds.
Jacqueline and Lynn Eggleston, of King George traveled to Caroline County to hear the Republican standard bearer speak five days before the Nov. 6 election.
"He has a vision for America that is lacking currently," said Jacqueline Eggleston, who was excited to film the speech.
She added that taxes can't keep being raised, especially when unemployment is high.
The Egglestons' son lives in California, where he was on unemployment for quite some time.
"Obama has a 'me' attitude," said Jacqueline Eggleston, adding that the president has ideas, but hasn't shared any specific plans.
As for Romney, "I think he's energetic. I think he's honest."
Comments from many rally attendees mirrored these, citing Romney's business record as critical.
"If you're going to try to run a country, you have to have run something before," said Ron Morand, an Air Force veteran from Doswell.
Romney's stop at Meadow Event Park near Kings Dominion was one of three on Thursday in Virginia, considered a critical swing state. He also went to Roanoke and Virginia Beach.
Sitting presidents have often visited Caroline County for the Boy Scout's National Scout Jamboree when it was held at Fort A.P. Hill. But seldom has the county hosted presidential candidates.
Romney had canceled a campaign event at the University of Richmond over the weekend because of Hurricane Sandy.
His vice-presidential nominee, Paul Ryan, campaigned in Fredericksburg in mid-October.
In September, first lady Michelle Obama spoke at the University of Mary Washington, and President Obama announced a campaign event with Bill Clinton in Prince William County on Saturday.
As the Romney rally began inside the Farm Bureau Center, an environmental protester held up a sign and screamed out about climate change. He was quickly escorted out.
Waiting in line before the event, members of the Etters family of Richmond were wearing blue baseball caps that read "Coal = Jobs," picked up at a previous rally. They were also wearing various Jewish symbols, like Star of David earrings, to show support for Romney's stance on Israel.
They believe he'll improve the economy and add more jobs.
"If it's bad now, it'll be even worse if Obama gets re-elected," said John Etters.
Jenna Zeigler Etters homeschools the couple's 17-year-old daughter, Sarah, who was disappointed she isn't able to vote in this presidential election.
For John Haber of Caroline County, Romney's business record stands out.
"He's succeeded at every point in his life. Compared to Barack Obama, [Romney] has risen up through the system and created jobs," said Haber. "One guy knows how to do that and one does not."
Haber guessed that Romney would win by a wide margin, though polls suggest it could be another close election.
Thursday's rally included a performance by country and bluegrass artist Ricky Skaggs.
Katie Thisdell: 540/735-1975
Email: kthisdell@freelancestar.com
