KISSIMMEE -- The countdown to Election Day is now nine days, as voters head to the polls in the Florida's early elections and candidates swarm the Sunshine State.
While Sen. John McCain has certainly been in the Republican spotlight for the last few months, it was his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who stole the sunshine Sunday as she made stops in Tampa and Kissimmee.
Thousands attended the rally at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.
Early on in the rally, Sen. Mel Martinez and Gov. Charlie Crist pumped up the crowd. Elizabeth Hasselbeck of The View introduced Gov. Sarah Palin to the crowd of about 10,000.
Palin mentioned the New York Times article that said Sen. Barack Obama has already written his inaugural speech nine days before the election. Palin told the crowd that the election is far from over.
“A lot of folks are still undecided and you know where I’m from I’ve spent some time on the basketball court. I know that Barack Obama too. Barack has spent some time on the basketball court too. But where I come from you gotta win the game before you start cutting down the net,” Palin said.
Palin said unlike others, McCain is asking for Floridians’ support and that the McCain camp knows it needs to win its trust.
The Alaskan governor also talked about the economy. Palin told the crowd Obama wants to redistribute their hard earned money while McCain “let’s you keep more of what you earn.”
“Right now the U.S. business tax is the second highest in the world. No wonder companies are moving elsewhere. We will cut that tax so that we can keep American businesses in America,” Palin said.
Joe the Plumber was a hot topic in Palin’s speech as well.
“Instead of taking more of your hard earned money, your investments, taxing more of your inventory and spreading your wealth, John McCain and I want to spread opportunity so that people like you and Joe the Plumber can create new wealth.”
Palin Support
Thousands of fans stood for hours at Kissimmee's Silver Spurs Arena, waiting to catch a glimpse of the vice presidential hopeful, but despite the fans and all of the fanfare, Gov. Palin has gotten a lot of criticism on everything from her politics to her personal life, since joining the McCain ticket.
Supporters said they are not giving into the gossip.
"Everybody likes to be critical at campaign time. There's criticism everywhere, for everybody," said Melodie Snyder, a Palin supporter at the rally.
"I brought my two little kids. I want to teach them about democracy," said Scott Wurm, who was excitedly waiting for Palin's appearance. "Whatever happens, I want them to see that we can and always will make a difference."
Joe Biden In Melbourne Tuesday
On Palin's heels is her Democratic counterpart, Sen. Joe Biden, who will campaign Tuesday in Ocala and Melbourne as part of a bus tour.
The Ocala event will be held at Dancing Horses Farm, on West State Road 40. Gates open Tuesday at 9 a.m.
The rally in Melbourne starts at 4:30 p.m. at Wickham Park.
Both events are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP to each event is encouraged.
Obama, Bill Clinton In Orlando Wednesday
The New York Times reported Sen. Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton will hold a rally in Orlando Wednesday.
Obama visited Orlando's Amway Arena Monday, along with Clinton's wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton.
There was no immediate word on the time and location of the event.
Florida Decides: Extended Coverage
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