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An Old Fashioned Democrat Rally
Methuen Councilor Kathleen Corey Rahme

Over 8000 people attended the Deval Patrick-Tim Murray Democratic rally at the DCU Center in Worcester on Wednesday, October 25. I attended the rally with West District Councilor Deborah Quinn of Methuen. We were joined by my daughter Madeline, friend Pamela Wackowski and her daughter Lauren. People lined the streets of Worcester for several blocks waiting for the doors to open. It really was reminiscent of the good, old-fashioned rallies from my youth.

It was billed as a family friendly event and the attendees represented various age groups. Young children attended with their parents and there were several hundred students from Clark University in the center of the floor section. American flags were waved and blinding flashes could be seen during the speeches.

Deval Patrick and Tim Murray were joined by numerous politicians during the rally. Filing through in runway form as they were announced, were state and local representatives. Patrick and Murray were joined on the stage by their wives. US Representative James Mc-Govern of Worcester was joined by US Senator Ted Kennedy and former President Bill Clinton. Patrick was appointed by Clinton in 1994 to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Methuen attorney Linda Harvey and her two daughters Maxine, 10 and Talia, 7 were in the front row on the floor. They were able to shake the hands of Patrick, Murray, and Clinton. It was certainly a memorable experience for the girls. Surrounded by several secret servicemen, Clinton walked by and he shook the hands of the crowd at least three to four rows deep. Councilor Quinn and I were able to speak to him. I asked how Chelsea was and Quinn talked politics and Hillary!  It has been said that he looks directly into your eyes when he works the crowd. I think it is true. Politics aside, I went and took my child because it is not every day that you get to see a president.

Madeline Rahme, 11 said, “It was cool. I had a really great time. Deval Patrick had some good ideas.” Lauren Wackowski, 12 said, “It was a huge honor to see President Clinton. I am happy I went.” Her mother Pam was pleased to attend the rally and was a little disappointed that the debate was scheduled that evening in Boston and Patrick had to take an early exit.

One of the most moving moments of the event was the Worcester Fire Department bagpipe band. We were reminded of the six fallen fire fighters. We were reminded that President Clinton traveled there in December 1999 to be part of the memorial service. The pipers played the Marine Corps anthem.

Giant screens captured the entire event. It provided a front row view for everyone. Slide shows of both Patrick and Murray’s lives were shown. Testimonials from teachers, coaches, and neighbors could be heard.

 The Democratic rally in Worcester was worth attending. Seeing so many young people in the audience gave me hope for Massachusetts. They are the future.


 

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The November, 2006 Edition of the Valley Patriot
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