Biden makes Superior stop on campaign trail

When Vice President Joe Biden gets to town, he’ll undoubtedly face an eager crowd.

By 10 a.m. Wednesday, Democratic Party volunteers had already passed out more than 200 tickets to people eager to see the second most powerful man in the nation.

“He’s a great man,” said Roger Bare “He does a great job. It’s kind of fun when you’re wondering what he’s going to say next, but he means what he says and he says it out.”

Bare was among the first 100 to pick up tickets after his wife told him they should go to the event planned for this afternoon at Superior Middle School.

“I’m glad he’s here,” he said. “I wish Obama could be here too, and be able to tour all of our businesses that are moving along now.”

Bare said with growth at Exodus Machines resulting from its alliance with Caterpillar Inc. and other recent job announcements, good things are happening in Superior.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Leah Hollenbach. “He’s fantastic, energetic, fun. More people would like him, in fact, if they listen to what he has to say.”

Hollenbach doesn’t hesitate when she says she is “definitely” supporting President Obama’s re-election bid.

“I trust him,” she said. “He has great policy. He’s really watching out for a majority of the people.”

Vicki Drake of Superior said it’s impressive that someone of Biden’s importance would come to what is, “in essence, a small town.”

“I believe in the principles both Obama and Biden adhere to, Drake said. “It’s going to be an interesting experience to see the second most powerful man in the world. I think it’s wonderful that we’re considered. They say that Wisconsin ends at (Highway) 29 and to have someone of that importance take recognition of Superior means a lot.”

A former county health nurse, Drake said she believes in the Affordable Care Act because primary health care should never take place in an emergency room — where many uninsured seek health services.

“I agree with what (Obama) did, whether it’s the automotive industry, putting some rules on the banks,” Drake said. “He can’t fix everything in four years when he has a ‘no’ congress.”

A steady stream of people found their way to the Douglas County Democratic Headquarters in Superior.

Some even offered to help when asked for a chance to see the vice president; no tickets are needed for those who agreed to volunteer.

That left Marv Finendale, who attended the Democratic National Convention this year in Charlotte, N.C., breaking the news to his wife that she would be helping with the event

A county board supervisor and volunteer helping to pass out tickets on Wednesday morning, he said he’s usually the one to volunteer his time — it’s not his wife’s thing.

While some volunteered, many more simply wanted a ticket to hear what the vice president has to say to a crowd in Superior.

Some came from as far away as Danbury early Wednesday morning to make sure they got a ticket to the rally at Superior Middle School.

“It’s very exciting to have someone coming,” said Marilyn Johnson on Wednesday morning. “I wish I could have gone and seen Bill Clinton yesterday, but I live in Danbury. It was kind of too late.”

Then she heard the vice president was coming to northern Wisconsin.

Johnson said she hopes the vice president’s visit to Superior energizes people so they get out and vote in Tuesday’s election.

“I think that’s what happened with the recall,” Johnson said of the June election to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker. “Not enough people got out to vote.”

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