Locals show support for Romney

Locals show support for Romney

Jun. 18, 2012
byL.B. Whyde
Advocate Reporter

NEWARK -- Under cloudy skies with the sun peeking out occasionally, a crowd gathered Sunday on the west side of the Licking County Courthouse Square to hear Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

Only people who had obtained free tickets were allowed inside roped-off area surrounding the west entrance of the courthouse. A large American flag was the backdrop to the small bleacher section the speakers and Romney stood in front of. The rest of the crowd was behind the bleachers and on the sides, under the shade of large trees.


Granville residents Doug and Nancy Wilson brought their friend, Rick Datchuk, of Upper Arlington, to see Romney, who they say is more in touch with America's problems than President Barack Obama.
"The economy is the new Cold War, and Romney knows how to fight it," Doug Wilson said.

Datchuk said, "I think Romney will bring stability to the country. We are more divided than I've ever seen. As a former Marine, I don't think our troops respect Obama as much as they do Romney. Romney is the perfect guy for this country at this time."

Protesters
Between 20 and 30 protesters occupied one corner of West Main and Third streets before they were moved to the south side of the Square. They moved again during Romney's speech and were closer than the ticketed spectators.

Some of the protesters were dressed in long black gowns with vulture faces. They held signs that read, "We don't need a Bain economy" and chanted "We are the 99 percent."

The protesters were from Service Employees International Union Local 1199, Fight for a Fair Economy Ohio, the United Steelworkers and Planned Parenthood.

Al Neal, 35, of Canton, was one of the organizers.

"We don't want vulture capitalists in office," he said. "I don't believe this country needs an economy under Romney."

The protesters booed through Romney's speech and occasionally were louder than the speakers.

Bob Bolton, of Newark, stood with the protesters, but he was not in a costume. Retired from Kaiser Aluminum in Heath, he relied on his past experiences with Republican presidents to shape his opinion. He came to show his support for the Democrats.

"Every time a Republican got in office, I was laid off for one to two years," Bolton said. "Kaiser used to be one of the biggest employers in the county, with 2,000 to 3,000, then they were bought by a big plant killer, using Romney-like tactics. Now there are only about 200 employees there."

Supporters, others
Jodie Weber, of Columbus, came to town to visit her sister-in-law, Joyce Weber, and they decided to come to the Romney events. It was the first time Jodie attended any type of political rally. They brought along their children, Matt Werner, 22, of Columbus, and Coral Weber, 12, of Newark.

"I just want him to change the economy," Werner said. "I'm having trouble finding work."

Florence and Walter Carlson, of Hanover, were excited to see Romney. Florence Carlson was especially outspoken in her support of the former Massachusetts governor, and she rushed to the local Republican headquarters to get a ticket as soon as she heard about his scheduled visit.

"I pray every morning and night for Romney to win the election," Florence Carlson said. "I am tired of the Democrats' politics, of Obama giving away secrets of our country, and taking taxpayers money for green energy, then they go out of business."

Jeanne Bolton, of Newark, is a Republican supporter and a Romney volunteer. She said she was thrilled Romney came to Newark to reach out to middle America.

"He understands the issues of poverty, education and unemployment and will put people back to work," Bolton said. "He is not a lifelong politician."

Many people, like Steve Smith, of Newark, wanted to see the potential next president.

"I like his idea on business and getting government out of the way in order for them to start hiring again," Smith said. "I like his ideas on energy independence, all of which we have here in the heart of Licking County."

David Crawford, of Frazeysburg, brought his wife and 17-year-old son, Cassidy, to hear Romney. As an independent voter and township trustee, Crawford and his family never had been to an event like Sunday's. Cassidy will be able to vote for the first time in November.

"I was impressed with what he had to say," David Crawford said. "Why can't we all just work? Why does everyone have a hand out? What happened to the belief that if you work hard you can be successful?"

Cassidy said, "I came to see the future president. He puts on a good show."