Presidential campaigns visit Pueblo
President Barack Obama made his third visit to southern Colorado on Wednesday, while opponent Mitt Romney sent his potential running mate.
Obama arrived aboard Air Force One at the Pueblo Airport just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, and hour ahead of schedule. He settled in for the night at the Marriott Hotel downtown. As a result, several blocks of First Street west of Interstate 25 will be closed.
The president may have decided on a late-night snack at the Bingo Burger restaurant across the street. Owner Richard Warner said White House personnel contacted him Tuesday and asked that he remain open past his 8 p.m. closing time.
“Great bragging rights that the president could eat your food,” said Portman. “I think that’s pretty neat. The traditional Bingo Burger with our local Pueblo chiles mixed inside the beef — I think that would be a great suggestion.”
Meanwhile, a mile away at Pueblo County Republican headquarters, a crowd of more than 100 people gathered to welcome the Romney Tour Bus that is touring the country as part of the campaign.
Romney wasn’t aboard, but the man widely mentioned as a possible running mate, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, was part of the entourage.
“Well, that’s going to be up to the Romney campaign and Mitt Romney,” said Portman. “But I am going to help him in any way I can, because I really believe our country’s in trouble and we need him right now.”
Portman explained how Romney can earn votes in strongly Democratic Pueblo.
“There are a lot of people who are frustrated, who don’t like what they see in terms of the direction of the economy and what it’s meant for their families,” said Portman. “I think people are receptive. Even if they’re Democrats, they’re looking. They’re listening.”
A Republican rally is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, followed by Obama’s speech at 10:40 a.m.
In Colorado Springs on Thursday, Obama is scheduled for a 2 p.m. speech at Colorado College. A Republican rally will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Acacia Park downtown. Among those speaking is Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. The Romney bus will stop there, as well.
