If the event was translated into sports terms, it is safe to say that Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s campaign did not bring its starting lineup to Española last week.
Instead, it may be more accurate to say McCain’s bench warmers made their way to Democrat-dominant Rio Arriba on the so-called “Straight Talk Express,” a campaign bus that stopped Sept. 30 at the Española Plaza, exactly two weeks after McCain’s opponent, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), drew thousands of supporters to his in-person rally at the same site.
The McCain-less “Straight Talk Express” drew about 75 people and included speeches from State Rep. Larry Larranaga (R-Bernalillo), former congressman Manuel Lujan (R-NM), Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Major General Al Zapanta, “combat photographer” Jim Spiri and Navy Capt. Frank Gamboa, McCain’s roommate from his days in the Naval Academy.
Event organizer Whitney Cheshire, of Cheshire Communication Strategies, said the group was assembled to give listeners a chance to hear personal stories about McCain while emphasizing veterans’ issues.
Some attendees grumbled that McCain would have had a bigger crowd if he had the money to bus rally-goers in from out-of-state, as they accused Barack Obama of doing.
“I’d sure like to know where all (Obama’s) money’s coming from,” Don Jarnagin, of Abiquiú, said.
Pauline Hickerson, of Española, was paying close attention during the speeches. She said she became active in Republican politics in the 1960s after reading Barry Goldwater’s book “The Conscience of a Conservative.” She said she gauges the character of candidates regardless of party, however. It may be a good sign for McCain that Hickerson is rooting for him, because she said she has voted for every presidential winner since John F. Kennedy.
The small crowd was spirited, with shouts of “U.S.A.” and “Viva McCain” ringing through the gazebo. Stickers that said “Women for McCain” and “Another Democrat for McCain” were getting snatched up quickly, as well.
Spiri, of Albuquerque, said he has a son who pilots a helicopter in Iraq and another who was a marine. He said “incredible progress” is being made in Iraq, and though the self-described “independent” hasn’t voted in 32 years, McCain’s candidacy has him excited.
“I like that Senator McCain puts country first,” he said. “I’m not undecided. I am decided.”
Gamboa, who has known McCain the longest of the speakers, didn’t talk much about him personally. He said McCain’s character and courage were evident in him as a young man, as well.
“You get to know a guy,” he said. “John McCain had natural leadership abilities.
After Gamboa’s speech was over, the bus was quickly loaded up and off to its next destination.
Corrine Fresquez, of Española, said she hopes McCain comes to the area himself. She said she has been making phone calls on his behalf, and a personal visit would help get Republicans energized.
“This area is thick with Democrats,” she said.
County Republican Party Chairwoman Geraldine Sanchez agreed and said she has been e-mailing McCain’s campaign regularly to try to get a visit arranged. She said she thinks a rally in Northern New Mexico would attract more people than one in Albuquerque, drawing Republicans from all the small villages in the North.
“I know they’ll come here,” she said. “We need him.”