Spectators wave Hillary signs as former President Bill Clinton greets the crowd of 2,500 at Thursday’s campaign visit at American Legion Post #103 on Center St. in St. Marys.

By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

On Thursday afternoon approximately 2,500 people were on hand to witness a historic moment in St. Marys history, marking the first visit by any former or current President to the city. Both young and old gathered for former President Bill Clinton’s visit, held at American Legion Post #103 on Center St.

During a whirlwind tour of small towns and cities across Pennsylvania, former President Clinton and daughter Chelsea have been kept busy campaigning for their wife and mother, Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. On Thursday’s agenda were stops in Erie, Warren, Brookville and Clearfield.

Several residents have already chosen Hillary as their candidate of choice. The economy and the war in Iraq top their list of important issues for the election.

“I already knew who I was going to vote for. I think she probably ran the country before,” said Joe Boylan of St. Marys. “We need to figure a way to get out of the war without making it worse. We started this mess now we have to finish it. Also, the economy is of concern. We are headed toward a recession, we have to buck it up.”

“I was voting for Hillary regardless of Bill’s visit. I think she’s so intelligent and he was the best president we ever had,” according to Maureen Evans of St. Marys. “I’m concerned about healthcare and wages going down.”

As a myriad of pop songs resonated from loud speakers through the large crowd, spectators waited patiently for several hours for Clinton’s arrival. Ceremonies began with St. Marys Area High School student Amanda Sidelinger singing the National Anthem.

 Over an hour and a half after his initial expected arrival time, Clinton appeared on the porch of the legion hall greeting those in attendance.

After being introduced, Clinton’s first statement praised local resident Paul Garner, for the accolades of his daughter Terri Garner, the current director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. Garner took over the position in November.

Clinton seemed amused by signs displayed by those situated in the front row of the crowd, reading “Extra credit for an autograph. Hillary is my girl,” and “I’m 88 years old and voting for Hillary.”

Attendees often cheered Clinton’s remarks about Hillary’s agenda. Many in the crowd displayed Hillary signs, while   outstretched hands with cell phones and cameras attempted to capture photo’s of Clinton addressing the crowd.

The crowd stretched throughout Center St. from the front lawn of the legion to across the street. Amidst the attendees were a large showing of young people, some displaying Obama signs, stickers and t-shirts.

Among those were signs reading “Obama Rama,” and “Let’s Talk Barack.”

Despite the vast amount of Hillary supporters, there were those in attendance who disapproved of her agenda.

“I think Clinton’s visit is an insult. We were insignificant for the last 12 years so why are they coming here now, just because they’re scared of Barack Obama,” said Fritz Lecker of St. Marys. “As for issues of concern, the economy is very important and the lack of support for our Armed Forces.”

“Clinton’s visit is not going to impact the way I vote, because its not Hillary it’s her husband,” said Alex Cheatle of St. Marys. “I’m for McCain because I’m sick of the democratic political battle. I do not support Hillary’s agenda.”

Throughout the day, Clinton fell further and further behind schedule. His other visits included stops at Penn State Behrend in Erie appearing before a crowd of 500 people, mostly students. Obama is scheduled to speak at the school’s Athletic Center tomorrow, which is expected to host a capacity crowd of 1,800. Next was a stop at Warren High School gym; then the intersection of Butler and North Barnett Streets in Brookville, on the porch of a private residence, in front of a crowd of 600 and lastly at the Clearfield Middle School gym, at 7 p.m.