Frank Lewis | Daily Times
A group of Shawnee State University students paint signs Friday afternoon for the visit by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Romney will be speaking shortly after 2 p.m. today at the SSU Alumni Green.
Frank Lewis
PDT Staff Writer
Gates were being erected, the sound system was alternately belting out classical music, and someone saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the next President of the United States, Governor Mitt Romney.” It was a day of preparation, Friday, for what is being billed as a “Victory Rally,” taking place today on the Alumni Green at Shawnee State University.
A group of Shawnee State University students gathered on the Green Friday afternoon to paint signs for Romney’s appearance.
“We’re preparing for the Romney campaign,” Christopher Allen, a College Republican and student at SSU, said. “So we’re trying to make signs and just get everyone kind of pumped for the rally.”
At three o’clock, when the sign painting began, Allen said turnout was light, but that he expected the student crowd to grow.
“We’re kind of in the beginning stages, so hopefully we’ll have a few more come,” Allen said.
Allen said his reason for supporting Romney is a simple one.
“I believe in fiscal responsibility,” Allen said. “I’m really big on his (Romney’s) fiscal plan, and (vice presidential nominee) Paul Ryan’s as well, so that is one of the reasons I’m a Romney supporter.”
Allen said the students have an actual plan for the rally.
“We’re going to be up towards the front where the people are actually looking at Romney, then we’ll be in the group where he is shaking hands,” Allen said.
Justin Pizzulli, another SSU student, was also busy painting one of the posters.
“In the University Center we had a booth and we handed out over 500 tickets today and a lot of literature,” Pizzulli said. “So there’s going to be a student section towards the middle. We’re going to be rallying, getting excited, waving signs, getting people pumped up, and it should be a good time.”
Access to the rally will begin at 11:30 a.m., with invite time set for 1:30 p.m., and the actual program at 2:05 p.m. Tickets were being made available at the Portsmouth Victory Center located at 612 Sixth St. in Portsmouth.
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com
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