News

March 12, 2008

Obama HQ open, Chelsea visit set

SHERRY LONG slong@timesleader.com

WILKES-BARRE – As Obama ’08 signs adorned the windows on South Main Street on Tuesday, it became official: The presidential race has begun in Wilkes-Barre.

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is the first presidential candidate to open an official campaign office in Wilkes-Barre.

“We came into Pennsylvania as the underdog, but we are seeing a great hunger for change in the state,” Obama spokesman Matt Lehrich said.

Local Obama supporters will work with paid staff from the national campaign to register people to vote and garner support for Obama, Lehrich said. The office, at 41 S. Main St. in Midtown Village, will have its grand opening on Sunday.

On the Democratic front, former first daughter Chelsea Clinton is campaigning in Wilkes-Barre today for her mother by making an appearance at Wilkes University.

She is scheduled to speak at 10:15 a.m. to college students, staff members, faculty and the general public today at the university’s Henry Student Center. There are no tickets needed, and it is open to students from all area universities.

Chelsea Clinton was in Scranton Tuesday night speaking to Clinton’s supporters at the Scranton campaign office. Clinton’s campaign has not expressed any interest in opening a Wilkes-Barre office.

A spokesman for Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain said the campaign is not looking to open an office in Wilkes-Barre any time soon.

If you go…

online

Chelsea Clinton at Wilkes University for question and answer session

When: 10:15 a.m. today

Where: Henry Student Center, 1st floor, 84 W. South St.

For video of Chelsea Clinton’s visit, go to www.timesleader.com.

Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.

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