KPLU Local News
(2010-10-21)
President Barack Obama talks about women, jobs and the economy with a selected group of supporters in Seattle's Wedgwood neighborhood on Thursday morning, October 21, 2010. Obama later led a rally for Senator Patty Murray at the University of Washington.
AP photo.
(KPLU) -
President Barack Obama is in Seattle today, the second stop of a West Coast campaign road trip that began in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday. The President is returning to Washington state to campaign for the Democrats, and is appearing with incumbent U.S. Senator Patty Murray to support her re-election. Murray is facing a strong challenge from Republican Dino Rossi.
The President visited with supporters at a private home in Seattle's Wedgwood neighborhood Thursday morning, where he spoke with a selected group about women, jobs and the economy. Obama then led a rally at the University of Washington's Hec Edmundson Pavilion, where an overflow crowd of 15,000 gathered.
This is the second Seattle appearance this campaign season by the President, who was here in August. Vice President Joe Biden has also visited the state more than once to stump for the Democrats. First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden will make a joint appearance for Murray next week. Former President Bill Clinton appeared with her in Everett earlier this week.
The Rossi campaign says the high profile visits are a sign that Murray is in trouble as the election nears, because she "continues to hold events with D.C. insiders...". Murray says she's "proud to welcome him (Obama) back to the state."
Seattle Department of Transportation officials say drivers can expect delays on city streets Thursday as the President travels between events. Metro Transit is encouraging rally attendees to take buses to the University of Washington, which is served by 15 routes.
President Obama will fly to California later Thursday to campaign for Senator Barbara Boxer.
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