Will McCain give Lynchburg another day in the spotlight?

By Alicia Petska

Published: August 24, 2008

A brush with presidential politics had the city teeming with excitement last week, and left some wondering if a second campaign stop might be in the stars for the area before Election Day rolls around.

Sen. Barack Obama’s unexpected visit marked the first time in almost 50 years Lynchburg has been noticed by a national Democratic candidate — Lyndon B. Johnson made an appearance at the train station in 1960 when he was running for vice president.

The more recent rally, which drew 2,000-plus spectators, gave rise to questions about whether Obama’s opponent would be traveling through the Hill City any time soon.

Sen. John McCain previously visited in 2006 to give the graduation address at Liberty University. That was almost a year before he formally announced his second run for president.

Republicans have in recent history been the more frequent visitors to the area. Former presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul both spoke at LU during their bids for office.

“It would be great if Sen. McCain came to Lynchburg, particularly this fall,” said Vice Mayor Bert Dodson, adding it shouldn’t be ruled out given both sides have described Virginia as a battleground state this year.

“You can’t take anything for granted,” Dodson said.

A spokeswoman for the McCain campaign said they expected he would be making more stops in Virginia over the next two months, but couldn’t specify which areas would make it onto the schedule.

An events calendar posted to the campaign Web site listed no appearances for September beyond the Republican National Convention, which kicks off at the beginning of the month.

LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said he’d be surprised to see the Republican nominee make another stop in Lynchburg.

“He came here early on, and Lynchburg is a small town,” Falwell reasoned. “I think one stop per campaign is about all we can hope for.”

He noted the city has already had several of this year’s candidates come through. “More than our fair share,” he said.

Local Republicans plan to open a McCain headquarters sometime this week. The new offices will be situated on Wards Road, next door to Jersey Mike’s Subs.

Party Chairman Mark Peake said he felt Obama’s visit had energized Democrats and Republicans alike, adding his party would be working right up to Election Day to get their candidate’s message out.

“Republicans should never take anything for granted,” he said. “We’ve got to work and get our people motivated.”

Peake still predicted McCain would carry the city at the polls.