News

Sarah Palin visits Jacksonville

POSTED 10/07/2008 5:10 p.m.

The Landing, JACKSONVILLE, FL - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin visited the Jacksonville Landing at a rally attended by at least 10,000 area residents. Palin, the Republican nominee for Vice President, was preceded in the gathering by several local and state politicians, including

Sarah Palin, the Republican nominee for Vice President addressed an overflow crowd at The Landing Tuesday.

Governor Charlie Crist, Senator Mel Martinez, and Congressman Ander Crenshaw.

Shannon Miller, record-holding Olympic gold medalist, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Halfway through the meeting, Miller turned the meeting over to her husband, Duval County Republican Party Chairman, John Falconetti.

Falconetti, along with State party Chairman Jim Greer, electrified the crowd with speeches concerning conservative issues that hit home with many groups and individuals in the greater Jacksonville area. When Falconetti took the stage, he told the jam-packed audience, "I cling to guns and religion," a clear jab at Democrat Nominee Barack Obama.

Jack Del Rio, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his wife Linda led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Meghan Mizell, 19, a student of FCCJ, sang the National Anthem.

When Palin arrived on the scene, there was no single silent voice. Chants of "Sarah" and "Drill Baby Drill," interrupted her speech several times. Palin focused on a number of conservative issues, including victory in Iraq, an "all-of-the-above" approach to energy, lower taxes, and decreased governmental interference in the affairs of small businesses and the lives of citizens.

Palin spent considerable time with the audience, shaking hands, signing autographs, and talking with well-wishers. (Full disclosure: The author brought some of his children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Governor Palin spent time with the little girl, signing autographs and sharing pleasantries.) The whistle-stop tour continues as Palin heads for Pensacola and other cities.