Huckabee Speaks At North Carolina GOP, Palin To Visit State Fairgrounds

This story was written by Daniel Ellis, Technician

As the countdown to election day continues, representatives from both parties are making final attempts to draw in voters.

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin will return to Raleigh Saturday as part of the Road to Victory Rally. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will take place at the State Fairgrounds.

"This means that North Carolina State University students can see the right side of the aisle and not just the left, Peter Barnes, a sophomore in forestry and executive director of College Republicans, said.

"This is one of the first visits specifically that Palin and the Republican ticket will be making around the N.C. State area rather than just in Fayetteville and Wilmington."

Palin's visit will be her second in less than a week to the state. Last Sunday, she also attended a rally in Asheville.

"This was a very successful rally that really helped Palin and McCain connect with voters in the other part of state," Barnes said.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee made an appearance at the GOP Headquarters Raleigh Victory Office Wednesday. The rally was a good boost of enthusiasm for Republican supporters, according to Aaron Dancy, vice chair of Students for McCain.

"Huckabee did a good job endorsing McCain and with building energy and enthusiasm from all the volunteers," Dancy said. "He is going to each of the GOP areas to motivate the volunteers because this election is tightening up and we need to give it the final push now more than ever."

Aside from Palin, congresswoman Heather Wilson, a republican representative from New Mexico, and Ric Killian, a N.C. representative of district 105, will be speaking at the Sunday rally.

"I definitely think that their presence shows that leaders from Washington and around the country are supporting Palin," Barnes said. "They help prove that Palin is not just a publicity stunt but a proven leader."

Tickets for the Palin rally can be claimed and printed online at http:/ www.johnmccain.com/ or can be picked up from the Raleigh, North Raleigh or Durham Victory offices. Tickets, however, don't guarantee entry, as the gates open on a first-come first-serve basis at 4 p.m.

"This definitely gives republicans an opportunity," Barnes said. "The fact that people will come out publicly and support her is important to the campaign."