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Friday, July 9, 2004

Kerry-Edwards Make 1st Visit to N.M. Today

By Andy Lenderman
Journal Politics Writer
    Will Guesz never has been to a political rally before, but the 13-year-old middle schooler wants to see Sen. John Kerry up close.
    "He's a cool person, and he'd be good for a president," Guesz said Thursday at the Democratic Party of New Mexico headquarters.
    The 8th-grader at Jefferson Middle School in Albuquerque will be among the crowds expected to show up at the National Hispanic Cultural Center today to see Kerry and his newly picked running mate, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.
    Guesz said he's most worried about the war in Iraq.
    "My friend's dad had to go there," he said.
    Times have been changed for the rally, which now is expected to begin at 6 p.m., with doors open to the public at 4 p.m.
    Those who wish to attend must contact the Democratic Party for tickets.
    "We expect thousands of people," Kerry spokesman Ruben Pulido Jr. said.
    The Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates are expected to land in Albuquerque and meet a small group of veterans upon landing today after first campaigning in New York and West Virginia, Pulido said.
    Renee Sandoval was also among those who stopped by to pick up a ticket Thursday afternoon.
    "I'm an independent," Sandoval said. "I'm not a Democrat. You know, I have never gone to a political rally, but I think it's important this year. Because I think it's very, very important that we make a change."
    Republicans countered the Kerry message this week by describing Kerry and Edwards as inconsistent liberals out of touch with regular New Mexicans.
    And Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., was scheduled to speak this morning with reporters about the Kerry-Edwards visit.
    "This is new. This is unprecedented, the viciousness of the attacks (on Edwards)," Gov. Bill Richardson told MSNBC Thursday evening.
    For tickets, people may contact the Democratic Party at 830-3650.