Wayne Allen | Daily Times

Members of the Scioto County Republican Party at the Mitt Romney rally in Chillicothe Tuesday.

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WAYNE ALLEN

PDT Staff Writer

CHILLICOTHE — A large number of members of the Scioto County Republican party traveled in chartered bus and several cars to see presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney deliver a speech in Chillicothe Tuesday night. It’s estimated that 7,000 people came from across the region to hear Romney.

Chairman of the Scioto County Republican Party Rodney Barnett said this was the first time in a long time the local party chartered a bus and traveled to see a presidential candidate.

“Several of us went up to hear Sarah Palin speak four year ago in the very same spot,” Barnett said. “This was a very successful trip and people had a good time.”

The speech received mixed reviews from local party attendees, but the over impression seemed to be positive.

“He probably will be the saviour of the country,” said Paul Dever, a member of the Scioto County Republican Party, after hearing Romney’s speech. “The way we are going, there is no end in sight and will lead to the destruction of our country.”

Dever said he has traveled throughout region over the years to see various presidential candidates including, Wendell Willkie, George W. Bush, Richard Nixon and various others.

Also attending was Scioto County Commissioner Mike Crabtree.

“What he said sounded great. The problem that I see is that America is in such bad shape economically. It’s going to take miracle to bring us out of it,” Crabtree said. “The national debt has gotten to a point where the only thing they can do is raise the debt ceiling. I’m not saying he (Romney) can’t do what’s necessary. I’m saying he’s got a heck of a hurdle to get over.”

“The speech was heartening, it was patriotic and there was hope among the entire crowd. the cheers were genuine. Rob Portman, John Kasich and Mitt Romney, did a wonderful job of getting the crowd on their side, which we were there already, but now even more so,” said Sally McChesney, a member of the Scioto County Republican Party.

Dr. Robert Nelson also found the speech inspiring and uplifting.

“He didn’t lower himself to the level of the other party, he kept it on a positive plain. He (Romney) has integrity and class,” Nelson said. “As an Air Force Veteran, I liked it when he said he would keep our military strong.”

Rebecca Scott, however, said she was not impressed with the speech and wished there had been more to it.

“I kinda wanted more meat and potatoes. I’m pro-second amendment, which was not mentioned. I did not like to just focus on the economy, I think every issue should at least be highlighted and addressed,” Scott said. “The speech was a little to brief for my liking. Over all it was a good trip everyone was energetic and what he did say was very positive and very encouraging.”

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.