WEST TAMPA — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, previously a 2008
Democratic presidential candidate, called on Tampa Hispanics to vote
early for Barack Obama at a rally today.

Supporters waved signs calling for "cambio," Spanish for "change,"
as Richardson called on supporters to vote for Obama, vote early and
get others out to vote, too. About 100 public attended the 11:25 a.m.
event at Salcines Park on N Howard.

"Are we going to go vote? Let’s go vote!" Richardson said. "Si se puede!"

He spoke of Obama’s plans to create jobs in alternative energy and
withdrawal from the war in Iraq. He said Obama could create a nation
that cares about Latin America, Africa and Asia — not just affairs in
the Middle East.

Phyllis Busansky, who is running against incumbent Buddy Johnson for
Hillsborough County’s supervisor of elections, briefly took the stage
to echo Richardson’s go-vote notice. "We can win!" Busansky said.

In an earlier

interview, Richardson said Hispanics are key to that
year’s election and he said he’s confident Obama will snag a slight
majority of their votes.

"They want, more than anything, they want action," Richardson said
of Hispanic voters. "They’re sick of the hard-line policies on Cuba
from the Republicans, and thereupon nothing happens. And promises of
comprehensive immigration reform, and nothing happens. And their
immigrant kids’ not being able to afford college."

The governor’s next stop is Orlando, where he’ll continue his get-out-the-vote push.

"For the first instance, we have a chance to win Florida," Richardson
said. "We cannot take that race for granted. whether Florida goes
Democratic, we win the election."

After the speech, supporters filed across the street to the West Tampa Library, an early-voting location, to cast their ballots.

"I love ya, Tampa!" Richardson yelled. "Let’s go vote!"

Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer

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Original post by Times Editor