OBAMA RALLY DRAWS CROWD

WASILLA — Nearly 60 supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama — and at least one supporter of Republican candidate John McCain who stood in the background — livened up a moody September Friday with a spirited rally.

Witty signs and shouts of praise for Obama came from the revelers. And although those passing by were generally cordial, a few one-finger salutes and derogatory comments were hurled from those motoring past on the Parks Highway at the intersection of Crusey Street.

Patti Fisher, a Wasilla resident who helped organize the rally, said she wanted to make clear the event was not an anti-Gov. Sarah Palin showing.

“What we want is people to know not everyone is for McCain-Palin,” Fisher said. “We want people to know there is an alternative.”

Using 21st century connectivity, Fisher said she began e-mailing friends about the planned corner rally, which eventually blossomed into a mass e-mail announcement.

As a light drizzle fell and the breath of sign wavers could be seen in the air, recent developments in the so-called “Troopergate” investigation were a big topic of conversation.

“I think they’re stonewalling,” Fisher said of the McCain-Palin ticket. “They’re foundering the judicial process in Alaska.”

Down the rally line, Willow resident Steve Charles, chair of the Willow Trails Committee, held a sign reading, “Mushers for Obama.”

During a recent symposium in Willow, nearly 55 mushers from the area threw their support behind Obama, Charles said. He added he had nothing but respect for Palin until the McCain-Palin campaign began challenging the Troopergate investigation.

“I think Troopergate is telling us a lot about the kind of person Palin is,” Charles said.

Palin initially said she welcomed a legislative investigation into whether she acted improperly or used her position as governor to have Trooper Mike Wooten fired. Wooten is the governor’s former brother-in-law and is in a custody battle with Palin’s sister. Her cooperative stance changed after McCain tapped Palin as his running mate Aug. 29.

It’s not surprising a group of Obama supporters would offer little support for Palin while she’s on the McCain ticket, which is why Wasilla resident Chris Lee stopped by the rally.

“I can’t understand these signs that say, ‘veterans for Obama,’” Lee said. “Obama’s never been in a war, McCain has.”

Lee, wearing his McCain-Palin T-shirt, said Palin has given the Republican base a significant boost. She’d make a fine addition should McCain win the presidency, Lee said.

Lee’s daughter, Kate Casqueira, said Palin is popular with her because she relates more easily to “normal” people.

Having, and talking about, the trials and tribulations her own family goes through is what endears Palin to voters, Casquiera said.

“Palin has real people problems we can relate to,” she said.

Although Lee didn’t speak as confidently when addressing the possibility of Palin some day becoming president, he didn’t mince words when talking about her governorship.

“I don’t know what she’d be like as president,” he said. “But she’s a damn good governor.”

Contact Michael Rovito at Michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.