Open arms for Clinton

SCRANTON – The Electric City is charged for today’s visit by U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Even the Easter Bunny has given a thumbs-up endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate.

Clinton will speak at Scranton High School at 6 p.m. today, making the city her first Pennsylvania campaign stop. The senator’s family – the Rodhams – settled in Scranton more than 100 years ago and the former first lady was baptized in Scranton.

A source close to the Clinton campaign said the senator will visit her family’s old neighborhood near Weston Field either prior to, or after her speech. The source said Clinton will go door-to-door in the neighborhood along Diamond Avenue. The Secret Service has issued an order to have Scranton City police clear the area for the senator’s visit, the source said.

Many volunteers were busy making signs and phone calls at Clinton campaign headquarters on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton on Sunday.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the high school, located at 63 Mike Munchak Way. Sean Pendrak, field coordinator for the Clinton campaign, said the school holds 2,500 to 3,000 people.

“We will have lots of spillover room,” Pendrak said. “But I advise people to get there early to get a seat.”

Pendrak said Clinton will fly into the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, but he did not know what time.

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty will serve as master of ceremonies at today’s program. The mayor said he is proud to have his city selected as Clinton’s first Pennsylvania campaign stop.

“Of course we’re very proud to have her here and have our city be the focus of the nation,” Doherty said. “But beyond that, this is a rare opportunity for any city or region to have a presidential candidate that knows your area intimately. She knows the city and its streets. She knows the Hill section and Nay Aug Park. This is not a fake relationship; it’s the real deal.”

Scranton connection

Doherty said Clinton was baptized in the Court Street Methodist Church, the same church her father was buried from and her niece was recently baptized there. The mayor said Hillary and her brothers – Hugh and Tony – still own the family home at Lake Winola.

At the Steamtown Mall, shoppers were eager to talk about Clinton’s visit and her candidacy.

“I like her; she’s a smart woman,” said Eliza Burke, of Nanticoke, who was shopping with her husband, Joe. “I like (Barack) Obama too, but Hillary has more experience.”

The Burkes said they go to a lot of political events, like debates, and feel more people – especially younger voters – should get involved with the process.

“I think it’s time for a change,” said Joe Burke. “We always vote for who we think is the best person for the job and we think it’s Hillary.”

The Burkes’ granddaughter was visiting with the Easter Bunny, who gave Clinton a thumbs-up endorsement.

“I’m glad she’s coming here,” said John Marko, of Nanticoke. “I really think she will make an excellent president. She’s the most qualified candidate.”

Welcomed visitor

Most of the people walking the mall thought Clinton’s visit was great news for the area.

“It’s great,” said Susan Griffiths, of Clarks Summit. “I feel comfortable with her. With so much unsettled in the world, I think with her knowledge she will be a great leader for the country.”

Breeda Cronin was busy selling Irish items in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday. She said she is glad to be a part of this historical election.

“After the last eight years, I think she will be able to clean up the mess of the Bush administration,” Cronin said. “And her husband (former President Bill Clinton) will be a great help to her.”

Kathleen Covey stopped to say she hopes Clinton will do something about the health care crisis in the United States.

“I have a 5-year-old daughter who is very sick,” said Covey, of Scranton. “I hope Sen. Clinton will do something to help her out. It’s so expensive. Tell her I’d be glad to meet with her to tell her how difficult it has been for us.”

Back at Clinton headquarters, volunteers were busy making signs and calling people to alert them of the senator’s visit.

“Most of the people I’ve talked to are supportive of her,” said Mariah Mihalick, of Dickson City. “I’ve had a couple people hang up on me, but a lot said they are going to try to be there.”

Three volunteers from West Scranton, too young to vote, were making signs to help because they said they believe in Clinton. Clairissa Baynes brought her 1-year-old daughter, Sydney, to help.

“I’d vote for her if I could,” Baynes said. “I like her and I want to help any way I can.”

Jessica Agramonte, 16, and her daughter, Jelissa, 2, were there with Katrina Oleski, 15.

Rendell support

Former Scranton Mayor Jimmy Connors, Gov. Ed Rendell’s regional deputy director, was making signs with his wife, Suzie.

“I thought my boss (Rendell) did a great job this morning on ‘Meet the Press,’ ” advocating Clinton’s campaign, Connors said. “He more than held his own; in fact I think he dominated the program.”

Rendell has endorsed Clinton, but is not expected to attend today’s event. Clinton will be in Harrisburg and Philadelphia on Tuesday. Former President Clinton will be in Pittsburgh Tuesday.

“There’s no doubt she has the experience necessary for the job,” Connors said. “She can take command. She’s ready.”

“This is really exciting,” said Tony Patte, of Scranton, a campaign volunteer. “I went to Ohio to help her. I believe in her and what she will do for the country.”

Directions

• How to get there: Take I-81 north to the Central Scranton Expressway (a left lane exit); take expressway to Jefferson Avenue; turn right; go to Mulberry Street and turn left; go five blocks and as you are leaving center city, take the first exit on the North Scranton Expressway – Providence Road/7th Avenue; turn right on North 7th Avenue; turn left on Carbon Street, then left on Mike Munchak Way to Scranton High School (located near Scranton Memorial Stadium).

• U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., will speak at 6 p.m. today at Scranton High School, 63 Mike Munchak Way. • Doors open at 4:30 p.m.