Former Congressman Tim Roemer campaigns for Obama in South Bend

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Former Indiana Congressman Tim Roemer campaigned at the West Side Democratic Club in South Bend for Senator Barack Obama on Monday, March 24, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Mar 24, 2008 at 4:43 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 24, 2008 at 5:00 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Former Indiana Congressman Tim Roemer campaigned in South Bend for Senator Barack Obama.

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Roemer says he decided to support Obama because of his experience in the state legislature, his location next to Indiana, and his concern over the economy and job loss.

Roemer says it was a difficult choice because he had worked with the Clintons when he was in Congress.

Many supporters of Senator Obama waited to see former President Bill Clinton outside South Bend's West Side Democratic Club.

"I really want to see him. I always wanted to see him, so that's why I came out today," said Regina Yarbough.

But she says Clinton's visit won't sway her support for Obama.

Her top concern: "Oh yes, the economy. These gas prices are terrible. I don't know what's going on, but it's terrible," exclaimed Yarbough.

It was the same story inside the West Side Democratic Club.

"With gas prices going up, the price of milk and eggs going up, we have to look out for our families," said Roemer to the voters.

His key issue — NAFTA.

Roemer told the crowd that he was against the free trade agreement when he was in Congress during the Clinton Administration.

"70,000 jobs left our community; 30,000 net jobs have not come back," exclaimed Roemer.

It's a big reason why he now supports Obama.

Roemer says he feels Obama will work to bring fair trade.

"He's worked in the state legislature to help our working class families with tax cuts, with health care, with ethics reform," said Roemer. "He's done those things and accomplished it. So, it's not just talking about hope — it's really providing answers and opportunities for our people."

It didn't take much convincing for the crowd of voters — many wearing their Obama support on their shirts.

"I think Obama is a once in a lifetime leader. I think he's very inspiring for people, black, white, young and old," said supporter Dustin Blythe.

Barack Obama's campaign is opening an office in South Bend. According to information released Monday, Obama will campaign in "every corner" of the state.

His campaign director says they're still working out a schedule of stops.

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