Published: March 25, 2008 10:57 am         

Hoosiers turn out to see former president

It was the first time a U.S. president had visited Logansport in decades, and everyone wanted a chance to witness the event.

Teens, children and adults filled every inch of the gymnasium at Lincoln Middle School Monday night to hear former President Bill Clinton speak about his wife’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Hillary Clinton supporters displayed buttons, held up signs they had made and enthusiastically cheered as the former president, escorted by members of the U.S. Secret Service, walked onto the stage almost an hour behind schedule.

The former president made Logansport a stop on the Hoosiers for Hillary Heartland Tour through Indiana. The tour began in South Bend, traveling to Rochester, then Logansport and West Lafayette.

Earlier in the day, actor Sean Astin, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and the Clintons’ daughter, Chelsea, joined the former president in South Bend to celebrate Dyngus Day.

Individuals traveled from as far as Michigan and Milwaukee to see President Clinton speak about his wife’s presidential goals. Some didn’t yet know who they were voting for, while others were clear that they wanted to put Hillary in office. Some just came for a chance to see the former president.

Jody Gronowski drove 3 1/2 hours from Milwaukee, bringing a saxophone for Clinton to sign.

“I’m a big fan of the Clinton administration,” she said. “It’s like we’re getting two presidents for the price of one. Bill did a good job. We don’t need another Republican.”

Monica Cochran was one of the first people in line Monday, arriving at 12:30 p.m. She said she felt strongly about Hillary’s plans for uplifting the economy.

“I’m looking for a change,” she said.

Carol Young woke up at 5:30 a.m. and drove from Indianapolis to be the first in line at 10:30 a.m. She said the main thing she supported was Hillary’s plan for universal health care.

UAW worker Richard Quaife and his wife, Jana, traveled from Kokomo for the event. The couple moved from Alabama as a result of Richard being laid off from his job.

“It’s gotta stop,” he said. “We’re interested in having jobs in America.”

Jana’s son is in the Air Force, and she said she felt strongly against him going to Iraq.

“I’m ready for us to get out of the war,” she said.

Bert Hellyer she he had been affected by President Clinton directly and wanted a chance to thank him.

“He signed that handicap bill,” Hellyer said. “That right there means a lot to me being in my situation.”

Several teenagers came out to witness the former president’s speech. Sixteen-year-old Derek Rowe said he couldn’t think of a better way to spend his spring break.

“This is the best thing that’s happened in Logansport for awhile,” he said.

And 18-year-old Kristen Ruhl said she liked Hillary Clinton’s environmental policies and had been following her candidacy for the past couple of months.

“I think everything rests on the environment,” she said. “Having a good environmental plan is important.”

Tom O’Farrell of Delphi said he was voting for Hillary because she was “strong, intelligent and sharp.” He said he was also a fan of President Clinton and had seen him at two other gatherings.

“He’s got a lot of charisma,” he said.

Sixty years ago, Julian and Sue Ridlen saw former President Harry Truman when he came to Logansport to speak at the former Penn station. Sue said she and her husband had seen all of the presidents who had taken office since 1938, and wanted a chance to add President Clinton to that list.

“We’re just interested in the whole political process,” said Julian, a Republican who was elected Cass Circuit Court judge and state treasurer.

After the former president spoke, several individuals stuck around to get memorabilia signed and shake his hand.

Julian Pugh of Democrats for Cass County Council said the highlight of the former president’s speech was his discussion of Hillary’s plan to rebuild the economy. Pugh said he also supported her universal health care plan.

“No one should be without health care,” he said.

Logansport physician and psychiatrist Sitha Gita Kalapatu agreed. She said she often saw patients who lacked health insurance. She said many of the debts don’t get paid.

“We see it all the time,” she said.

As the former president departed, escorted by several police vehicles, people lined up along the streets to wave goodbye.

Mayor Mike Fincher said it was a good day for Logansport, especially for the Democratic Party.

“It means a lot for Logansport,” he said, “to have a former president come and tell you, ‘You know you’re part of the plan, and we need you more than you can realize.’”

Melissa Soria may be reached at (574) 732-5143 or via e-mail at melissa.soria@pharostribune.com