By CINDY EISEN

Springboro Sun Editor

ceisen@tcnewsnet.com

- What did the speakers say during the event?

Republican nominees Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin came to speak in front of the Golden Lamb Restaurant in Lebanon on the morning of Tuesday, September 9.

The importance of the vote: During his speech McCain made it clear the Ohio vote is important. He noted he felt Americans should do what is “best for the country,” just as he has done what he feels is “best for the country” during his lifetime. He explained that his hope is to lead the young generation of this nation to support their country. He wants Americans raising youth who will put our country first. During an acceptance speech he provided via email, McCain said, “I have often said that I owe my country more than she has ever owed me. I am deeply indebted to our country. I never let a single day go by without giving thanks for the freedoms we are so fortunate to have as citizens of the greatest nation on earth.”

McCain spoke at the end of the event, near 11 a.m., making a short presentation to compliment what others had already said about him and review points from the Convention. Further comments by Palin and McCain are at the end of this article, putting what local entities spoke/felt about this Republican team first.

At 9 a.m. Anthony Munos, NFL Hall of Famer and former Bengals offensive tackle, both spoke and acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the rally. He applauded Palin for her “sports background” noting her husband was a four-time winner of the Irondog snowmobile race. Munos explained, “In Sarah Palin and John McCain I see two champions and I love champions.” He said 12 of the 43 Presidents of the United States have come to the historic Golden Lamb restaurant in Lebanon, and by January that count should be at 13 of 44.

Warren County Commissioner David Young spoke next, speaking about the area’s strong local politicians, noting how nice it would be to see Rob Portman possibly entering the Governor race at some time. On a personal note Young spoke of past family members who had served in the military, and his family including his three girls, two being twins.

Young then spoke of the 200,000 people who live in Warren County. He mentioned Warren County is the home to one of the largest eyewear companies in the United States. He mentioned another huge company that makes high tech household items spending $3 million on research. The added the fact Warren County had a $24 million surplus at the end of last year.

Young mentioned Oprah Winfrey and the crowd let out a “boo.” He explained, “When McCain introduced Sarah Palin to the country I think he beat Oprah at her own game.” He added that, “Palin is a great role model for young women.” He explained that McCain really has put his country first and that you should, “Vote for him because he’s earned it.” He admitted he was glad to “speak on behalf of the next President John McCain.”

Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer noted that women like Palin, can identify with women like herself, who is a small town mayor, and a working mom with four children. Palin was also a small town mayor and has five children of her own. Brewer explained that Palin is a positive role model for women who maintain a household and career. Brewer noted the GOP Headquarters was “right around the corner” for those who wanted to help with the campaign.

On a side note, local GOP women are excited about Palin. Rachel Hutzel, Warren County Prosecutor, explained on Monday that she and her family would be at the event. Her family was working at the check in area for the press. Hutzel, as a woman in politics, is excited about Palin and thinks she sparked a new interest in the race. Hutzel noted she has seen more young people are getting excited about the race and supporting the Republican candidates.

Former Senator Mike DeWine is the State Chairman for the McCain campaign. He spoke, noting has known McCain “since 1982, over a quarter of a century.” In all that time he has never heard McCain say, “Oh this is above my pay grade.” After making the connection of McCain to President Regan, breaking the previous push by opposition forces to tie him tightly to President Bush, noting there was no mention of Bush the entire day, De Wine said, “McCain is fearless!” He also noted, “Freedom isn’t free” and “Voting is a right that is crucial.”

When these rally visitors meet other voters, Democratic or Independent, DeWine gave them five points to address:

1. Taxes- McCain will keep your taxes low

2. Pork belly spending- McCain has always fought this and will continue to do so.

3. Fuel- McCain is for drilling, feels nuclear is a clean choice, and will use all possible energy types.

4. Experience- McCain brings this and is Pro Life. (This statement got a yell of approval.) DeWine noted 90 percent of the people are against partial birth abortion.

The fifth point involved McCain’s good judgment.

State Auditor Mary Taylor started with a joke, “A taxpayer who votes for Obama is like a chicken that votes for Colonel Sanders.” She explained “winning is a team sport” and quoted Lincoln in her talk. She added, “What Obama says and what Obama does are two different things.” “Ohio will go for the extra points because we are on your team,” she said to the crowd.

Rob Portman spoke next. He has never, in seven elections, won by less than 70 percent of the popular vote. Portman explained, “We are on offense now,” and “We can’t afford Obama.”

Patriotic songs to stir up the crowd filled the gap until the large bus carrying the traveling press corps and candidates pulled up. Palin was plugged as “The governor of the great state of Alaska. The most popular governor in America.”

Sarah Palin spoke first, introducing the “next President of the United States John McCain” and her husband who she briefly spoke about. She explained is a member of the United Steel Worker’s of America and has won the prestigious Irondog race four times. Palin was glad to be welcomed by “small town America” and is taking her message of reform all across America.

Palin said McCain has tenacity, grit, and determination. He spent 22 years in the military. He will use his career to promote change. She spoke of the upcoming victory in Iraq. She explained John McCain doesn’t run with the heard, and suggested we move the maverick from the Senate to the White House. Interestingly she also pointed out, that government is not always the answer. To often it is the problem.

Palin explained in Alaska she took away property tax and tax on the inventory of small businesses. She took a voluntary pay cut as mayor, fired the personal chef as Governor, put the state checkbook online for all to see, and put the luxury jet that came with the Governor office on e-bay. By request and veto she stopped a half billion dollars in reckless spending. She returned money to the citizens of Alaska with tax relief for all citizens.

Palin said to drill now and use the new pipeline to offer “American resources brought to you, by American ingenuity, by American workers.”

“There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you… Senator John McCain.” “He will be the 44th President of the United States,” Palin introduced her running mate.

McCain began, “It is great to be back in Lebanon, Ohio… the state we must win and will win!” Looking at Palin he said, “She will turn this government back to a government of the people.” McCain explained he understood what it means to “work for you and that’s my record.” He added he will veto pork-belly spending and he will make sure everyone knows who is bringing the pork-belly spending to the platter.

McCain told everyone he made sure there were never any earmarked money for his state of Arizona, then pointed out the $1 billion dollars in pork-belly spending Obama got earmarked for his state.

McCain pointed out the “Drill baby drill” sign in the crowd and said, “We have to stop spending $7 billion a year overseas to countries who don’t even like us too much.” He spoke of nuclear power and how safe and clean it is. He mentioned other energy sources, then returned to nuclear saying he is grateful for the veterans in the crowd, noting nuclear powered boats have been used by our troops for years. He said we must use nuclear fuel, re-process it, and dispose of it, like the French, noting that right now the head of France likes Americans. McCain also explained we must have more off shore drilling.

“We must show the world again how America leads,” McCain noted. “Government lead restrictions of home lending can’t become a Wall Street bail out.” “You ask government to stand on your side, not in your way,” he added, noting he “will stand by your side.”

Moving on he noted, “We can’t have government control of health spending.” “We have to start putting out country first.” He spoke of the Russians and their move toward control of energy supplies and regaining lost area. He also noted, “Our troops will come home with victory and honor.”

McCain was quick to point out Obama “has no experience” and “lacks the judgment to lead this country.” McCain promises good health care for our veterans. “They deserve it.”

“On to victory in November!” he ended.