With the gubernatorial election only four days away, students, faculty and community members filled the Student Activities Building yesterday to show their support for visitors from the Commonwealth's Democratic ticket.
"Tim Kaine is eager to come to colleges and universities because, unlike his opponent, he has a positive vision to bring down the cost of tuition," University Democrat President Dave Wasserman said.
Members of the College Repblicans also were present outside the SAB before the rally began.
"We are out here rallying for Jerry Kilgore," College Republicans President Brian Gunn said. "We need to show Virginia that this is not just Kaine country."
David Slutzky, who is running for a position on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, was the first speaker at the rally. He was followed by Peter DeFur, Steve Koleszar and David Toscano, who are all candidates for the House of Delegates. Creigh Deeds, a candidate for Attorney General, spoke next and introduced former Georgia Senator Max Cleland. Cleland introduced Kaine.
"The whole country is watching to see what we do here in Virginia," Slutzky said. "If Virginia goes blue up and down the ticket we will send a big message to the rest of the country."
All the candidates highlighted issues that were important to the Democratic party.
"We don't need to be micromanaged from Richmond," Koleszar said. "Government needs to stay out of our bedrooms and out of our private lives."
Cleland alluded to another contested issue -- the Democratic allegations that the Republicans have been running a dirty campaign.
"When you put your name on the ballot, you are going into battle against the greatest character assassins in this country," he said.
The rally culminated with Kaine addressing the crowd expressing his support for the other Democratic candidates, outlining his plan for the Commonwealth and encouraging Virginians to get out and vote.
Kaine said the race is a dead heat but said he is optimistic about his chances. He cited a recent Washington Post poll that put him three points ahead of Kilgore.
Kaine said he plans to pursue the same goals he has been supporting as lieutenant governor under Gov. Mark R. Warner. He noted improvements in employment opportunities, education and economic growth that have taken place during the Warner Administration.
"If it was broke and you fixed it, don't break it again," Kaine said.
Kaine concluded by urging those in attendance, especially students, to vote Tuesday.
Several students at the rally said they believed young people should vote.
"I think it's important [to vote] because decisions made in election directly affect us," third-year College student Michael McGraw said.
Second year Kristen Jackson agreed.
"It's our right as citizens," she said.
Cleland echoed this sentiment.
"Students are going to have to live with this for four years," he said. "They need a governor that believes in education."
During his speech at the rally, Cleland called on University students to show a special sort of support for the Democratic ticket.
"On Tuesday, I want you to be a party school," he said. "A Democratic party school"
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