By the Gazette-Times | Posted: Saturday, April 26, 2008 12:00 am
ALBANY - When former President Bill Clinton makes a stop in Albany today as part of six Oregon campaign stops for his wife, the Linn County Democratic Party expects a large welcome.
Clinton is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road S.E. His talk may start closer to 11 a.m. depending on when he leaves a previous speaking engagement in Junction City, said Jan Taylor, marketing manager for the Linn County Fair & Expo Center.
"Obviously we are very excited about his stop here," said Loyd Henion, chairman of the Linn County Democrats. "It's a national campaign and it brings the spotlight right on us."
The Albany stop is part of a two-day Oregon visit for Clinton, who is campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.
People wishing to attend are encouraged to visit www.hillaryclinton.com/albany.
Taylor said that all parking areas will be open and there should be room for 1,000 vehicles. Parking is free.
Doors are scheduled to open at 9 a.m. and except for about 100 seats available for the disabled, people will stand for the event, Taylor said.
All of his talks are billed as "Solutions for America" events.
Henion said that although the local Democratic Party takes no official position on the national presidential race, he expects the visit will be valuable for local Democrats and Democratic candidates.
"We're hoping that this visit will encourage Senator Obama to drop by as well," said Henion.