Enthusiasts for presidential hopeful Barack Obama cheered on the steps of the Capitol Wednesday while elected officials publicly endorsed the candidate. The rally occurred just a day before Obama was scheduled to speak at Tulane University in New Orleans. After winning primaries in South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, Obama is focusing his attention on southern states. Nearly two dozen Democrats endorsed Obama, and about 100 campaigners from around the state applauded and chanted the senator’s name between speakers. Public relations senior Elizabeth Weiner first heard Obama speak at the Iowa caucus on a trip with the Manship School of Mass Communication. Weiner attended the rally and plans to travel to New Orleans this morning to hear Obama speak. She said she supports Obama because he is able to “step across the aisle to work with Republicans.” Weiner said Obama draws a young crowd and is the “most electable candidate.” “It’s vital that someone inspire the young people in our country to become involved,” New Orleans City Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said. Hedge-Morrell said she supports Obama because he is an inspiring “voice for change.” Louisiana State Senator Donald Cravins said Obama is the candidate that “truly stands for the future.” “Hopelessness has come to reign in Louisiana” Cravins said. Obama is a symbol for change in the state, he said. Karen Carter Peterson, state speaker pro tempore, said Louisiana is facing a crossroads and electing Obama would evoke change. “He’s been here enough that he knows the obstacles we have in Louisiana,” Hedge-Morrell said. She said Obama was one of the first senators to visit New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Hedge-Morrell said Obama understood how partisanship affected the state’s recovery and how Louisiana was treated differently because of its Democratic governor. Frank Arburtha,70, drove about 60 miles from Roseland to be at the capitol for the rally. Arburtha said he supports Obama mainly for his health care plan. He said medical and insurance costs are too high for his generation, and Obama could solve this problem. Ray Mabus, former Mississippi governor, said Obama would make the Republican nominee “play in the southern states” and stop focusing campaigning in only one region. He said Obama would unite the country. Sen. Lydia Jackson and Rep. Rick Gallo spoke on behalf of Obama at the rally. Obama will speak on Thursday at Tulane’s Fogelman Arena at the intersection of Freret Street and McAlister Drive. Doors open at 7:45 a.m., and RSVP is strongly encouraged as space is limited. The event begins at 9:45 a.m. No bags, signs or banners are permitted.
—-Contact Emily Holden at [email protected]