13 WTHRPalin holds rally in Jeffersonville

Palin holds rally in Jeffersonville

Jennie Runevitch/Eyewitness News

Jeffersonville - Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin made her first visit to southern Indiana Wednesday night in her third trip to the state in 12 days.

The Alaskan governor made the case for a John McCain presidency in front of an estimated 16,000 cheering supporters at the Capstone Realty, Inc. warehouse in Jeffersonville.

A sea of supporters stood shoulder to shoulder for hours to see vice presidential candidate make a final push to Hoosier voters.

"Indiana, are you ready to help us carry your state November 4th?" Palin asked the crowd.

Palin talked taxes, economics and energy independence, while criticizing Barack Obama for supporting big government.

"His plan to redistribute the wealth will ultimately punish hard work and it discourages productivity and that work ethic we're trying to teach our children. It will stifle the entrepreneurial spirit that made this country the greatest on earth," Palin said.

"Our pro-growth, pro-private sector agenda will get this economy back on the right track," Palin. 

She said her running mate's plan would lower income taxes. "He would double the child tax deduction for every family, he will cut the capital gains tax, and because the US business tax is the second highest in the world today - no wonder businesses are moving overseas, it's cheaper to do business over there - no, we will cut that business tax to help keep American businesses in America."

"Our opponent is not being candid with you about his tax increase plans. Indiana, it is not mean-spirited and it is not negative campaigning to call someone out on their record and their associations," Palin said.

Palin said on "national security and winning the war, we know who it's gotta be on November 4th." Palin accused Obama of cutting off funding for troops, but she did not specify a particular bill.

The McCain message has been delivered to Hoosiers solely through Sarah Palin in person these last few weeks. The crowd wasn't disappointed.

"It's exciting. We love Sarah. I'm a football mom of three sons. I don't have to be a hockey mom. I'm a football mom so I support Sarah and I believe in what she's going to do for our country and I believe in John McCain too," said Jennifer Hill, New Palestine.

"We love Sarah Palin. She's one of us. She's family. She's a Christian. We need John McCain and her up in the White House," said Mary Mann, Jeffersonville.

"We need a leader with the experience and courage and good judgement and truthfulness who has a bold and fair plan to get this economy back on the right track. We need John McCain," Palin told supporters.

Gov. Daniels turned up in the parking lot to greet supporters between his own campaign stops. He did not attend any of Palin's events in Indiana.

"I'm in between places. But this is a great chance to see a lot of very patient people and say hello. Couldn't resist coming by," said Gov. Mitch Daniels. Daniels says it was a scheduling conflict and had only 48 hours notice of the Palin event.

Palin also said John McCain needs Indiana, a red state that hasn't felt needed in decades.
20,000 tickets were given away for the rally. In fact, traffic on Interstate 65 was backed up for two hours to get there. Palin and McCain hope that same enthusiasm continues and carries them into the White House on Election Day.

Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden will campaign near Evansville on Saturday. Sen. Barack Obama has an event planned for Highland on Friday.

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