Pocono News Section

VP Candidates Flock to Billtown

VP Candidates Flock to Billtown - Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 5:20PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Oct 29, 2008 @ 05:20pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

With just days remaining until this year's historic presidential election, Williamsport is a political hot bed. Both vice presidential candidates will campaign here Thursday.

Democrat Senator Joe Biden will hold a rally at Lycoming College, while Republican Governor Sarah Palin will speak at Bowman Field.

Word of the two rallies spread quickly. Both parties' local campaign headquarters were buzzing Wednesday afternoon.

We found plenty of volunteers painting signs for Senator Biden.

Democratic volunteer Tony Delisi said, "I expect an enthusiastic crowd. I expect him to be well received. I expect them to hear his message of change for our future, and change for this region in particular."

Just as Senator Biden's speech is wrapping up over at Lycoming College, the doors will open at historic Bowman Field for Governor Sarah Palin's first campaign stop in Billtown.

That news had plenty of people lining up to grab tickets at the local Republican headquarters.

Republican volunteer Dilonna Coran said, "Can't keep up with all the phone calls. People were coming in from 7 o'clock this morning. We were here ‘til very late last night getting the tickets out. They're very enthused. We're pumped."

It also means a lot of work for city police, who will assist the Secret Service for the day.

Police Chief Greg Foresman explained, "We're going to be doing traffic control, crowd control, monitoring for the possibility of any problems."

But Foresman says he expects the landmark visits to run as smoothly as possible. He noted, "We'll see how the weather is, we'll see what other situations may arise in the meantime. But yeah I'm looking for a pretty smooth day."

Senator Biden is scheduled to take the stage around 4 at Lycoming College. Governor Palin will speak at 6:30 at Bowman Field.

We're also told there will be a bonfire at Bowman Field tonight at 7, in advance of Palin's visit.