Obama expected to speak about energy and the economy during trip to Elkhart County

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Barack Obama's last visit to Elkhart was on May 2nd before the Indiana Primary. (WSBT Photo)

Sen. Barack Obama's last visit to Elkhart was on May 2, 2008 before the Indiana Primary. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Aug 3, 2008 at 4:35 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 3, 2008 at 9:52 PM EST

ELKHART CO. -- Preparations are underway in Elkhart County for Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's visit to the area. Obama plans to address the economy and the energy crisis in a town hall meeting Wednesday.

During the summer, Dave Reiff enjoys taking long road trips with his dog, Sasha. But this year, high gas prices have forced him to stay closer to home.

"Gas prices are putting a crimp on everything. I think that's the biggest thing I'm concerned about at this point," he said.

Others say it's job loss. RV manufacturer Monaco Coach recently announced it will lay off 1,400 workers in September.

"It's a big factor. I think it is to everybody," said Elkhart County resident Jerry Brimhall.

People won't have to wait much longer to voice their concerns. Sen. Barack Obama will hold a town hall meeting at Concord High School on Wednesday.

"I'm pretty excited about it. I'm going to go. I"m going to stand downtown on Monday and try to get some tickets and hopefully I can get there," said Elkhart County resident Jessica Miller.

Obama's campaign says the recent job cuts and gas prices did play a role in the senator's decision to visit Elkhart County.

"The need to create new and additional energy sources so that we have energy independence for America. I know Senator Obama believes in that as well and a desire to create more jobs right here in our community," said U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly.

But Saint Mary's political science professor Sean Savage says Obama may also be coming to the area for other reasons, including reacting to John McCain's recent criticism.

"Obama was over in Europe being this rather superficial, international celebrity, while McCain was here in the Midwest, namely Ohio, talking about jobs and healthcare and other bread and butter issues," said Savage.

"He's coming back to Indiana because this is a state he's concerned about. And also because this is a state that Senator Obama has a great chance to win,” said Donnelly.

This will be Obama's fourth visit to the area this year. John McCain's most recent visit was in July of last year. Polictical experts think McCain is trying to build himself up in states where he's competitive with Obama, like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

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