Former Rochester mayor B.Johnson and former Monroe County Executive T.Frey endorses Obama

[Hope And Change]

Tom Frey and Bill Johnson


Frey and Johnson Back Obama


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by Mike Hedeen

photo by Bryan Beard

Published Feb 01, 2008

Two prominent local democrats will back Senator Barack Obama’s bid for the democratic presidential nomination.

Former Rochester mayor Bill Johnson and former Monroe County Executive Tom Frey threw their support behind the Illinois senator Friday. Both call Obama an inspiring candidate that can bring needed change to the country.

“He's an extraordinarily competent man, he has the intellectual ability to find ways to bring us together and give us hope and hope for change. I think that's very important for what this country needs right now," said Frey

For Frey and Johnson, the endorsement of Obama brings them back to an earlier generation when another fresh candidate emerged on the scene. Rochester’s former mayor says John Kennedy energized the electorate in much the way Obama does today.

“I was a college student when John Kennedy ran for president and won, and I know the feeling from that age and as a 65 year old I feel like a teenager again,” Johnson explained. “This man makes me feel like getting out and working very hard to help ensure his election."

That from a man whose own bid for Monroe County executive was bolstered four years ago by Obama's opponent, New York Senator Hillary Clinton.

Local campaigners say endorsements by Frey and Johnson are important to the success of the Obama grass roots campaign.

“Just their presence for our volunteers shows that they are fully engaged,” Rochester Dems for Obama leader Ken Preston said. “Also they are financial contributors and they come out to our rallies and help us gain more supporters."

Johnson and Frey will join other local Obama supporters for a rally Saturday at 1109 Hudson Avenue beginning at noon. A video feed will connect the Rochester rally with similar events happening at the same time in Buffalo, Syracuse and New York City.

mrh/ay


http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/group/RochesterNYDemsforOBama">Rochester Dems for Obama


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[dionysus]

1. Rochestarian checking in... *woot* *woot*

:)

[Darth_Kitten]

2. and we are to care...............why?

these endorsements are getting ridiculous.

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. local endorsements are useful

and Obama could use support in those areas of New York.

[shadowknows69]

4. Are they getting ridiculous

Because Barack seems to be getting more of them?

[dionysus]

5. that's where i live... i care about it.

:shrug: