Edison stumps for
Obama
Rally was one of six
across the state
CHRISTINE SPARTA,
thnt Online, January 6, 2008
EDISON — Supporters who favor
Barack Obama for president gathered at six Stand Up and Be Counted rallies
across New Jersey on Saturday.
"I've been inspired by the message, the fresh opportunity to change politics,"
said David Cole, the field organizer for the event that was held at the Edison
Family Restaurant.
The restaurant's owner, Peggy Trstensky, said she was happy to have Obama fans
in her eatery.
"In keeping with the ideas that make the country great, we welcome everyone,"
she said.
Trstensky said it was a bit early to tell if she would vote for this Democratic
candidate herself, and she was weighing her options.
Still, she finds Obama to be a "dynamic person, very articulate."
"He's a candidate who can really represent change. He represents the
movement to unify change that people are looking for," said Cole.
Cole, 22, began casually volunteering back in August and now works on the
campaign full time as a volunteer.
The New Brunswick resident graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in
political science in May and, after working with student affairs at the
university, decided to leave to devote himself to the promotion of the
candidate.
The other Obama events were be held in Camden, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson and
Trenton.
Edison Mayor Jun Choi said he decided to get behind Obama because he offered the
most promise for a new direction for the United States, something he calls Obama
drama.
"He proved cynics wrong. More Republicans and independents are voting for
this Democratic candidate," he said.
Choi feels Obama will sail through the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday and the
Democratic primary on Feb. 5.
"He closed a 25-point Hillary lead in New Hampshire and he's in the best
position to win," Choi said.
A new Obama campaign office opened in Edison on Saturday across from the
restaurant where the rally was held, Choi said.
There are 32 offices in 17 states and these figures continue to expand.
Two additional campaign offices besides Edison will open this week in Camden and
Newark.
Obama is seeing a number of endorsements from government figures and the general
public for his campaign.
Besides, Choi, Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker is among his supporters.
Union County Assemblyman Neil Cohen was also at the rally.
Cohen said he's been stumping for Obama since June and was the first member of
the state Legislature to endorse him as a presidential candidate.
"Every generation has a new voice — whether it's FDR for my parents' generation
or John F. Kennedy. He can appeal to all segments of America," Cohen said.
Cohen is also willing to defend against naysayers who doubt Obama's track
record.
"Well, Bill Clinton didn't have any experience. Clinton didn't have it and
he was very successful on the foreign policy side. JFK didn't have any.
Every great leader doesn't have to have this resume," he said.
But not everybody will be showing up to give a nod to Obama.
Mary McGuire, 74, of East Brunswick questioned his credentials to lead the
country.
"I'm not an Obama fan. He comes across as a smooth orator. What are
his qualifications to be president of the United States? I have very
little interest in what he has to say," said McGuire.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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