ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Better health care for Americans and an end to the war in Iraq are priorities for local women who turned out Tuesday in support of Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate for vice president.
The senator from Delaware, who is sharing the ticket with U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, spoke about those issues and more at Ohio University Eastern, located just west of St. Clairsville.
Although many of the women in attendance admitted they initially favored New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee, they said they had no reservations about throwing their support behind Obama and Biden after they won the nomination.
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Carolyn Sterns of Sistersville, left, and Kitty Miller of New Martinsville await the arrival of Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden at Ohio University Eastern on Tuesday.
Wheeling resident Kathy Burgoyne said she has supported Biden, a Pennsylvania native, "since the beginning." She added that she has "been an Obama fan" since he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2004.
"I feel he's the better man for the job," she said, expressing her preference for Obama over Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
For Burgoyne, the war in Iraq is a major issue this election. While she supports American troops wherever they are serving around the globe, Burgoyne said she objects to the U.S. military presence in Iraq.
Kitty Miller of New Martinsville and Carolyn Sterns of Sistersville agree.
"I have always supported Obama," said Miller, who also heard Palin speak Sunday at Brush Run Park. "But I have a lot of respect for Hillary Clinton, especially after meeting Sarah Palin."
Miller said she and her friend, Janie Price, are working with the West Virginia chapter of Code Pink - a women's organization that opposed the American invasion of Iraq.
"Our main focus is to end the war," she said, adding that she "absolutely believes" an Obama presidency would do just that.
Sterns, who said she has been a life-long Republican, noted she was never a Clinton supporter but said she has traveled to several states on Obama's behalf.
In addition to opposing the war in Iraq, Sterns said she believes Obama is qualified to lead the nation. She also favors his position on health care; Obama has promised to reduce costs for those who are currently insured and to provide a low-cost coverage option for those who are not.
"He is just so outstanding," Sterns said, "I haven't seen anybody in a long time who fit the qualifications for the job."
"I think people need to be very, very afraid right now," Miller added. "McCain is campaigning on a hate platform."
"I'm scared to death," Sterns replied.
Katy Hickenbottom, 16, of Barnesville left school early Tuesday to attend the rally. She said she supported Clinton in the primary but noted Obama's victory over Clinton did not sway her toward the Republican ticket. She cited Obama's positions on health care, the $700 billion Wall Street bailout legislation and the war in Iraq as reasons she supports him and Biden.
Her mother, Becky, has worked at Barnesville Hospital for 30 years. The respiratory therapist said her support of the candidates is not based on gender, but rather on the issues. Health care is her biggest concern during this campaign.
"People can't afford their breathing medications - any medications, really," she said. "It's a choice - put food on the table or pay for your medicine, and people choose to eat."