Post by The MFA on Jul 31, 2008 10:02:32 GMT -5
Senator McCain is planning on popping down here after giving us he snub during the primaries. Will Bay County rally behind him?
Marina prep under way for McCain visit, Rich concert
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2 days until presidential candidate's arrival
July 31, 2008 05:15:00 AM
By Jon Miltimore / News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY — Sweaty stage crew members wielding sockets and wrenches and driving forklifts started assembling trusses and moving 3,000-pound cinder blocks into place Wednesday to erect a stage for Friday's free concert on the Panama City Marina.
Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain will be the guest of honor at the outside concert by country music star John Rich.
Melissa Hagan, Bay County Republican state committeewoman, said about 800 people had picked up tickets at the local Republican headquarters as of Tuesday night, but local volunteers have rallied to McCain's cause to get the word out.
"We expect a huge turnout," Hagan said. "We are encouraging everyone to come out and participate."
Ashley Beach, director of events for the Florida Republican Party, was optimistic as well.
"Ten thousand would be great. We've had about 3,000 sign up now so far," said Beach, who is seeing more people signing up online and expects large numbers to sign up at the event.
Rich, one-half of the music duo Big & Rich, said he met McCain a few years ago at the Intrepid Museum for fallen heroes in San Antonio and was drawn to the Arizona senator's easy manner and independent streak.
"He is not afraid to upset Democrats; he's not afraid to upset Republicans," Rich said. "You cannot have a better watchdog for this country than John McCain."
Rich, who said he believes conservative entertainers need to speak out more, expressed great admiration for the candidate.
"There's a theme running throughout this guy's life. He puts his country first," Rich said of McCain, a Vietnam veteran who spent several years in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp. "He will go down in history as one of the greatest Americans we ever had."
The concert is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. and concert-goers are urged to arrive early to allow time for security checks. Attendees must have a photo ID.
Off-site parking and free transportation is being offered at the Panama City Mall's Sears parking lot.
To learn how to get tickets, go to www.rpof.org/concert, call 391-4249 or e-mail concert@rpof.org.
Comments 2 | Recommend 0
2 days until presidential candidate's arrival
July 31, 2008 05:15:00 AM
By Jon Miltimore / News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY — Sweaty stage crew members wielding sockets and wrenches and driving forklifts started assembling trusses and moving 3,000-pound cinder blocks into place Wednesday to erect a stage for Friday's free concert on the Panama City Marina.
Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain will be the guest of honor at the outside concert by country music star John Rich.
Melissa Hagan, Bay County Republican state committeewoman, said about 800 people had picked up tickets at the local Republican headquarters as of Tuesday night, but local volunteers have rallied to McCain's cause to get the word out.
"We expect a huge turnout," Hagan said. "We are encouraging everyone to come out and participate."
Ashley Beach, director of events for the Florida Republican Party, was optimistic as well.
"Ten thousand would be great. We've had about 3,000 sign up now so far," said Beach, who is seeing more people signing up online and expects large numbers to sign up at the event.
Rich, one-half of the music duo Big & Rich, said he met McCain a few years ago at the Intrepid Museum for fallen heroes in San Antonio and was drawn to the Arizona senator's easy manner and independent streak.
"He is not afraid to upset Democrats; he's not afraid to upset Republicans," Rich said. "You cannot have a better watchdog for this country than John McCain."
Rich, who said he believes conservative entertainers need to speak out more, expressed great admiration for the candidate.
"There's a theme running throughout this guy's life. He puts his country first," Rich said of McCain, a Vietnam veteran who spent several years in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp. "He will go down in history as one of the greatest Americans we ever had."
The concert is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. and concert-goers are urged to arrive early to allow time for security checks. Attendees must have a photo ID.
Off-site parking and free transportation is being offered at the Panama City Mall's Sears parking lot.
To learn how to get tickets, go to www.rpof.org/concert, call 391-4249 or e-mail concert@rpof.org.