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Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News

Media Credit: J. Breen Mitchell

Projected Republican presidential nominee John McCain visited Youngstown State University Tuesday for a town hall meeting with students and members of the community in Kilcawley Center's Chestnut Room.

"He's touring areas that have hit hard economic times," said Mark Munroe, Mahoning County Republican vice chairman. Munroe said McCain will be visiting areas that Republican candidates usually avoid due to their majority Democratic populations.

The Arizona senator's remarks centered on the economy and how areas like Youngstown fit into the future. He said that people in Youngstown know what it feels like to be counted out.

McCain laid out what he said were the differences between his ideas on how to help areas like Youngstown and those of his opponents.

"Raising taxes on businesses in Ohio and elsewhere, as both my opponents propose to do, will not bring the old jobs back," he said.

Following his prepared remarks, McCain took a series of questions from the audience. In response to a question about health care, he said that the problem in the United States was not one of quality, but of affordability.

"Those who support a government takeover of health care, I'd recommend that they pay a visit to Canada and see how their system works," McCain said.

On energy, the senator said the price of oil is devastating to our economy, and that nuclear power would have to be a part of any solution, adding that there has never been an accident on a nuclear submarine. He also said climate change was a major concern of his.

When asked about manufacturing jobs, McCain said that he would have to give what he calls "straight talk."

"I can't look you in the eye and tell you those jobs are coming back," he said, adding that education was the key to revitalizing depressed areas.

Jim Shaw, vice president of College Republicans, said he supports McCain for his stance on defense.

"The minute we cut and run is the minute we lose the war," Shaw said.

Alumna Karen Combs of Cortland said she admires the Senator's military service and character.

"The Democrats, they'll reach into your pocket, and they'll leave you with change, all right," said Combs.

A group of protestors gathered outside the event were not supportive of McCain's agenda. James Hewitt of Cleveland spoke on behalf of Working America, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO that goes door to door talking to voters.

"One thing is for certain. McCain is out of touch with working Americans," Hewitt said. Working America is not endorsing a candidate.

Dan Rowrinski, a Clinton supporter from Youngstown, said that he feels McCain's economic policies are harmful to people like him, referring to North American Free Trade Agreement.

"He must have lunch with millionaires too often," he said.

Following the event, McCain held a brief press conference in the Ohio Room.

There, he fielded questions about the Democratic primary, saying that he held no interest in the outcome. He also talked about the need to reach out to minority voters.

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