Dems. urge women to vote

Local Democrats turnedLocal Democrats turnedout at City Hall to markLocal Democrats turnedout at City Hall to markHillary Clinton's birthday. Students from Penn for Clinton/Gore '96 gathered at City Hall Saturday, hoping to celebrate First Lady Hillary Clinton's 49th birthday with many other supporters. But a relatively small crowd showed up for the program, which included speeches by prominent local Democrats and entertainment. Roughly 60 people gathered near an outdoor stage to hear Mayor Ed Rendell and local singer Christine Winchester. With President Clinton leading Republican nominee Bob Dole in the polls, the speakers were less concerned about the outcome of the November 5 election than they were about voter turnout, especially among women and students. Democrats nationwide have been hoping for high turnout among supporters to boost Democratic candidates in local and Congressional races. During the event, students from local universities addressed the "lack of enthusiasm [for politics] displayed on campus" and their peers' skeptical attitude about politicians. Michelle Wirzberger, a member of Temple University's College Democrats, commented that when she talks with fellow students about political issues, they either do not know anything about the subject or say they are specifically ignoring the "corrupt" political realm. State Rep. Kathy Manderino (D-Phila.) offered a reply to the widespread distrust of politicians. "[I am familiar with that] cynical excuse for non-involvement," she said. "If you think everyone in office is a bum, get out there and do something about it." Citing possible threats under the GOP's budget plan to federal financial aid that "affects two-thirds of Penn's student body," College sophomore Jana Kay, co-chairperson of Penn for Clinton/Gore '96, emphasized the importance of going to the polls next Tuesday. College junior Sarah Newman, who has been campaigning heavily for the Democratic Party, said she agreed. "It's one thing to be polled, but it's another thing to get out and vote," Newman said after the event. "I know people are busy, but it's really important, especially when issues are what they are." Other speakers targeted local women, stressing Hillary Clinton as a positive example. "In '94, women collectively did not go out and vote, and it showed in the polls," Manderino reminded audience members, encouraging each of them to take and distribute 50 pieces of campaign literature. In concluding, Rendell reminded the group that the election has not yet been won. "As we go into the final week, things look great," he said. "But many an election has turned around in the last nine days."

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