Published: March 29, 2008 10:19 pm      

Democrats plan rally in response to McCain visit

Mississippi Democrats will rally at noon Monday in downtown Jackson, showing their support for party candidates running in this year’s presidential, U.S. Senate and U.S. House races.

Called the “Rally Against a Third Bush Term” coincides with Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s campaign stop in Meridian and luncheon fund-raiser in Jackson the same day. The rally will take place at Smith Park, on Amite Street between North Congress and West streets.

“Our Democratic Party candidates offer the best hope for the future of this state and this country,” said Wayne Dowdy, chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party. “We’re delighted Sen. McCain is beginning his campaign to re-invent himself for the general election in Mississippi because when voters get to know the real John McCain they’ll realize a vote for him is a vote for a third Bush term.

“The turnout of more than 430,000 voters for the March 11 Democratic presidential primary – the highest in years for a presidential primary – shows Mississippians want change. And Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama can deliver that, while Sen. McCain offers nothing more than another four years of failed Bush policies.”

Democrats running for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House are expected to speak at the rally. Other Democratic Party leaders and party political activists are expected to talk on behalf of both Clinton and Obama. The rally is scheduled to end at 1 p.m.