Daily Independent (Ashland, KY)

August 25, 2008

Dems to meet at HQ, watch convention

Celebration to begin tonight at 7:30

By TIM PRESTON

ASHLAND — Senator Hillary Clinton will have an attentive audience in Ashland tonight as local Democrats gather to kick off Fall 2008 campaigns and watch the Democratic National Convention from Denver.

The party headquarters celebration, at 4218 Winchester Ave. where the Hillary Clinton for President Office was during the spring primary election, will begin at 7:30 p.m. said Boyd County Democratic Party Chairman G. Marcus Woodward.

“All of us don’t have the means or opportunity to attend the national convention in December,” Woodward said Monday morning as he and others made preparations for this evening’s event.

Woodward said he anticipates Clinton’s address will be a rallying point for the party.

“I believe Senator Clinton will give a rousing speech that will go to great lengths to unify and inspire all Democrats to get together to support Barack Obama,” he said.

Woodward said local Democrats are encouraged to stop by the local office to familiarize themselves with the new facility, which will be the local hub for the Obama for President campaign as well as The Coordinated Campaign (Lunsford for U.S. Senate) from the Kentucky Democratic Party, incumbent Walter Blevins for State Senate and Kevin Sinnette for State Representative 100th District.

“This is probably the most comprehensive effort we’ve ever had,” Woodward said, commenting on the combined campaign resources at the local level. The local party chairman also said the Lunsford vs. McConnell race will be a particularly crucial contest for the Democratic party.

For more information about this evening’s gathering, which will include refreshments, or other local Democratic Party efforts, call (606) 329-0350.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.