McCain info on party agenda

KINGSTON – Isabel Pisaneschi has no idea who she’ll vote for in the presidential election this November.

But, after attending an informational house party Thursday evening on behalf of Senator John McCain’s campaign and listening as his wife, Cindy, addressed the group during a conference call, she has a better idea about the Republican senator’s candidacy.

“I think the more information you get, the easier it is to make a decision,” said Pisaneschi, who was among 10 others gathered at the home of Sandra Kase in Kingston.

Kase, the McCain campaign field director in Luzerne County, said she was contacted earlier this week about hosting a grassroots house party. Similar events, which featured the viewing of a brief campaign DVD and a conference call with campaign officials, took place in all 50 states throughout the country.

“I like the fact that he has been challenged throughout his life both personally and politically,” Kase said. “We have serious issues in our own nation and critical issues elsewhere.”

Cindy McCain thanked her husband’s supporters and urged them to get friends and family involved in this year’s election.

“This election is not going to be won by the talking heads in Washington,” she said, noting that local groups and communities have the power to elect the next president.

She gave a special welcome to women listening, saying that as a mother with two sons in the military, she wants to make sure they’re led by a leader who will take care of them.

The group also gathered in Kase’s family room to view the “McCain Nation” DVD, which features McCain and his mother, Roberta, recounting his experiences as a prisoner of war.

“I could see Johnny was a leader from the very beginning,” Roberta recalled.

Kay Connor, of Kingston, supports McCain and was glad his war days were highlighted at the event.

“This is the most I’ve ever heard about his POW experience,” she said. “He should tell people about it.”

Kase said recently volunteers have been gathering to make phone calls to recruit support. So far, the group has surveyed more than 700 people to ask who they’re voting for.

But, she says many more events are on tap leading up to the election and she’s excited about the Luzerne County Republican headquarters opening on Aug. 25 in downtown Wilkes-Barre.