VP candidate Joe Biden makes fundraising stop in Pioneer Valley
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HOLYOKE - In one room, a crowd of people hoping the Democrats will retake the White House. In another, cigar enthusiasts. Across the street, a small contingent of conservatives warning of "Obamination."
Vice presidential nominee Joe Biden (D-Del.) arrived about 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, where many supporters had been waiting since late afternoon for a glimpse of the candidate.
The occasion was a private fundraiser at which people paid $500 to attend a reception and $2,300 for dinner with Biden. The running mate of presidential nominee Barack Obama (D-Ill.), Biden was in town to raise money and encourage volunteers for the campaign's eight-week home stretch.
Staff at the Log Cabin said about 250 tickets to the reception were sold ahead of time. Planners expected to sell up to 75 seats for the meal, during which Biden spoke.
Local media were not allowed inside the fundraiser, and were offered only a distant and fleeting glimpse of Biden as he walked into the facility from a motorcade of black SUVs and state police motorcycles.
The 65-year-old, six-term senator started his day Wednesday promoting the Democratic ticket in Boston, and stopped at Nashua (N.H.) Community College before driving to Holyoke.
Hampshire County residents walking through the doors at the Log Cabin before Biden's arrival said they were hopeful about Obama and Biden winning the election Nov. 4, but anxious about their Republican rivals, Arizona Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
"I'm committed to being optimistic," said Kristi Nelson of Hadley. "It's my daily spiritual discipline."
Robert Feldman of Amherst said he is "realistically optimistic" the Democrats will prevail. "I think it's neck and neck nationally," he said, "but when you go to the important states, I think Obama's going to win."
Richard Ammon, of Westhampton, said he and his partner (who couldn't be there) are longtime Biden supporters because of his stance on gay rights.
"The idea of McCain and Palin in the White House just frightens me," Ammon said. "She still thinks gays can be converted with prayer."
Penny Partridge and Alice Goodwin-Brown, both of Amherst, said they were worried about the chances of victory for a Republican ticket they find too conservative and distrustful.
"Last time we had a book group meeting, all we talked about was politics," Goodwin-Brown said. "Our lives are just dominated by what's going on in this election."
The Log Cabin Wednesday night was also host to The Big Bonkin' Smoke, an annual cigar party sponsored by Springfield radio station Rock 102. Some who turned out for this event joked they hoped the senator would join them for a puff or two.
"I'm undecided at this time," said David Gagne, a Northampton firefighter there for the cigar fest. "I'm still gathering all my data."
Among the local elected officials seen entering the banquet hall for the Biden event Wednesday night were four mayors: Clare Higgins of Northampton, Dominic Sarno of Springfield, Michael Sullivan of Holyoke and Michael Bissonnette of Chicopee. Also on hand were sheriffs Robert Garvey of Hampshire County and Michael Ashe Jr. of Hampden County.
Across the street from the Log Cabin, eight people held signs opposing Obama, questioning his experience and saying his economic policies are alarmingly "socialist."
"We wanted to show Massachusetts and the Obama campaign that everybody doesn't support him," said Richard Sorcinelli, of West Springfield.
Jacob Reed, of Westfield, said he's rooting for Palin in particular. "She's got a lot more substance and experience than Obama and Biden combined," he said.
James F. Lowe can be reached at jlowe@gazettenet.com.
