Hobbs, NM, Geared Up for Presidential Visit

Lubbock, TX, Avalanche-Journal ^ | 10-11-04 | Hepburn, Katie

[Theodore R.]

Hobbs geared up for presidential visit BY KATIE HEPBURN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

With New Mexico's five electoral votes up for grabs in this year's horse-race of a presidential election, the state takes on national importance this week as both donkeys and elephants stampede the state.

President Bush will land in Hobbs aboard Air Force One at 8:45 a.m. MDT today, less than 24 hours after challenger John Kerry held a campaign event in Albuquerque.

Bush to visit Hobbs 9:15 a.m. (all times MDT)

• Lea County Event Center parking lot

• Gates open at 5 a.m.

• Preliminary programs will begin near 7 a.m.

Jeanne Hayes, the Lea County Republican Party secretary, said Sunday that she expects between 15,000 and 20,000 ticketholders to turn out to see the president today, a significant number considering Hobbs has little more than 28,000 residents.

In fact, the crush of enthusiasm over Bush's visit has forced the event from inside the Lea County Events Center into the center's parking lot. The campaign rally is to kick off at 9:15 a.m.

With the election only three weeks away and the race still too close to call, every electoral vote is critical.

In 2000, Democrat Al Gore won New Mexico by only 366 votes; statistically, both candidates won 48 percent of the state's votes, according to the State of New Mexico's Web site.

But in Lea County, Bush overwhelmingly garnered 71 percent of the vote, while Al Gore pulled in only 27 percent.

While Bush is campaigning in Hobbs, Kerry is scheduled to spend today and Tuesday in Santa Fe, preparing for the final presidential debate. The face-off over domestic issues will take place Wednesday at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz.

[martin_fierro]

You who.

[Coldwater Creek]

I am from Portales. I really wanted to be there at the rally today, but it was impossible, co I will spend that time praying for the people of New Mexico that their hearts and minds will be swayed to vote for truth and mortality. Someone please post the results as soon after the rally as possible.

[ride the whirlwind]

May the Lord help GWB to shine in all of his campaign stops from now until the election and give him favor with the voters and protection from his enemies, political or otherwise, in His name, Amen.

Go get em', Mr. President!