BILL O ’ BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com
SCRANTON – The Electric City is charged for today’s visit by U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodman Clinton supporter Judie Polkowski, right, of Dickson City, draws up welcome signs along with Mary Ann Sadauskas, of Dunmore, on Sunday at Clinton campaign headquarters in Scranton.
PETE G. WILCOX/THE TIMES LEADER
Even the Easter Bunny has given a thumbs-up endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate.
Clinton will speak at Scranton High School at 6 p.m. today, making the city her first Pennsylvania campaign stop. The senator’s family – the Rodhams – settled in Scranton more than 100 years ago and the former first lady was baptized in Scranton.
A source close to the Clinton campaign said the senator will visit her family’s old neighborhood near Weston Field either prior to, or after her speech. The source said Clinton will go door-to-door in the neighborhood along Diamond Avenue. The Secret Service has issued an order to have Scranton City police clear the area for the senator’s visit, the source said.
Many volunteers were busy making signs and phone calls at Clinton campaign headquarters on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton on Sunday.
Signs read:
“We Love Hillary”
“Electric City Loves Hillary”
“PA is Clinton Country”
“Welcome Back Hillary”
“Ain’t No Party Like a Scranton Party”
“Healthcare For All”
“Bricklayers For Hillary”
“Scranton Teachers Need Hillary”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the high school, located at 63 Mike Munchak Way. Sean Pendrak, field coordinator for the Clinton campaign, said the school holds 2,500 to 3,000 people.
“We will have lots of spillover room,” Pendrak said. “But I advise people to get there early to get a seat.”
Pendrak said Clinton will fly into the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, but he did not know what time.
Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty will serve as master of ceremonies at today’s program. The mayor said he is proud to have his city selected as Clinton’s first Pennsylvania campaign stop.
“Of course we’re very proud to have her here and have our city be the focus of the nation,” Doherty said. “But beyond that, this is a rare opportunity for any city or region to have a presidential candidate that knows your area intimately. She knows the city and its streets. She knows the Hill section and Nay Aug Park. This is not a fake relationship; it’s the real deal.”
Scranton connection
Doherty said Clinton was baptized in the Court Street Methodist Church, the same church her father was buried from and her niece was recently baptized there. The mayor said Hillary and her brothers – Hugh and Tony – still own the family home at Lake Winola.
“She’s one of our own,” Doherty said.
At the Steamtown Mall, shoppers were eager to talk about Clinton’s visit and her candidacy.
“I like her; she’s a smart woman,” said Eliza Burke, of Nanticoke, who was shopping with her husband, Joe. “I like (Barack) Obama too, but Hillary has more experience.”
The Burkes said they go to a lot of political events, like debates, and feel more people – especially younger voters – should get involved with the process.
“I think it’s time for a change,” said Joe Burke. “We always vote for who we think is the best person for the job and we think it’s Hillary.”
The Burkes’ granddaughter was visiting with the Easter Bunny, who gave Clinton a thumbs-up endorsement.
“I’m glad she’s coming here,” said John Marko, of Nanticoke. “I really think she will make an excellent president. She’s the most qualified candidate.”
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