Kerry visit signals fight for Virginia

[Judi Lynn]

Kerry visit signals fight for Virginia
On the road to the Democratic National Convention, Sen. John Kerry will tout his military service during a rally in downtown Norfolk today.

BY KIMBALL PAYNE
247-4765

July 27, 2004

NORFOLK -- Sen. John F. Kerry, the presumptive Democratic challenger for the presidency, didn't outline new political strategies or lob any fresh attacks at the president after touching down at Norfolk International Airport Monday afternoon.But for the local officials and veterans on the tarmac just showing up was enough.

"It's historic," said Portsmouth Mayor James Holley III, noting that the state hasn't supported a Democratic presidential candidate since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. "The Commonwealth hasn't drawn the interest of a presidential race in a number of years."

Landing just minutes after the Democratic National Convention was gaveled to order in Boston, Kerry spoke with Holley, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and a handful of veterans for about five minutes. He traded salutes and signed autographs before departing in a black SUV led by nearly two dozen police motorcycles.

Kerry is making his fourth visit to Virginia since last August. He has said that his campaign will put up a fight in the state, while the campaign for President George W. Bush has declared Virginia a GOP-stronghold. The added focus from both parties should make Virginia voters more informed.
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