Casey: Obama’s ‘ready right now’

BY MIKE FAHER
The Tribune-Democrat

April 21, 2008 11:21 pm

— With Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign pushing hard for local votes during the past week, U.S. Sen. Robert Casey brought a different message to Johnstown on Monday.
Casey, the state’s most prominent backer of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, said Obama is “ready right now” to lead the country.
He acknowledged, though, that Obama remains an underdog in the Keystone State.
“We’re up against a tough competitor,” Casey told Obama staff and volunteers assembled at the candidate’s downtown office.
“But you know what? I feel great about this campaign.”
Casey’s visit came just hours before former President Bill Clinton appeared in Ebensburg – the fourth local visit in seven days by a member of the Clinton family.
But Casey stood beside Obama during the latter’s March 29 speech in Johnstown, and he returned Monday to rally support on the eve of the election.
Casey labeled his endorsement of Obama “a very personal choice for me to make,” and said he is committed to the candidate’s cause.
“He has touched people’s hearts in a way that’s extraordinary,” Casey said.
The Scranton-based senator said Obama is a “tough guy” who will make good on his pledge to stand up to special-interest groups.
But Obama also is a politician skilled at “bringing people together” to effect change, Casey said.
Joining Casey at the event was Johnstown native Mark Singel, the state’s former lieutenant governor.
Singel, who also chaired the state Democratic Party from 1995-98, has been an enthusiastic Obama backer.
He said Obama is “truly inspirational” and has adeptly handled the pressure of the intense, extended Democratic primary battle.
“We need to believe in something passionately,” Singel said.
“And we need to believe that you can do your job in the political world with honor and integrity.”
Singel noted, though, that his support for the campaign is informal.
Obama has railed against lobbyists – Singel’s current profession through his Harrisburg-based firm, The Winter Group.
Singel said he believes in Obama’s policies, even if those ideas could limit the effectiveness of his own company at the federal level.
“I think he’s right,” Singel said. “There are too many special interests that wield too much clout.”

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.