Bernie Sanders

Donkees

(31,398 posts) Sun Mar 20, 2016, 08:02 AM Mar 2016

Vancouver Preps for Bernie Sanders - Event has reached capacity

Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders’ supporters said the Vermont senator should feel at home during his quick visit to Vancouver on Sunday.

“It’s a place where people care about each other. … We care about the air, the water, the place we live and other human beings,” said Roben White, a volunteer with Clark County Democrats. “Which is an example of what Bernie is about and his campaign is about.”

Sanders will hold rallies in Vancouver, Seattle and Spokane on Sunday ahead of the state’s Democratic caucuses on March 26.

Sanders’ campaign said he will speak on college affordability, immigration reform and the need for campaign finance reform.

The rally in Vancouver will be held at 1 p.m. at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd. The gym has seating for 4,400 people, with space for 300 on the floor. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with admittance on a first-come, first-served basis. An RSVP on the Sanders campaign website does not guarantee admission.

The campaign requested RSVPs to get a head count for the event, but the website on Friday said the event had reached its capacity. In August, more than 28,000 people showed up at the Moda Center in Portland to hear Sanders speak.

Richard Rogers, the Clark County Democratic chair, noted candidates don’t always bother to make a pit stop in Washington state during the election cycle.

“Our timing generally means we’re not seen as an important player on the national scene,” he said. “It’s nice to be cared about.”

Rogers said he’s not surprised Sanders is making a stop in Vancouver.

“Clark County is seen as a swing district, and with the proximity to Portland — Oregon has their primary soon,” he said.

Sanders is visiting the state ahead of Washington’s Democratic caucus on March 26. The state’s Democrats will allocate 101 delegates.

White has been knocking on doors and making phone calls in support of Sanders for more than eight months.

“People are realizing he’s a force to be reckoned with, he is electable and a valid candidate,” he said.

“When it comes to national politics, one of the biggest things that’s lacking is integrity,” Valo said. “When it comes to Bernie Sanders, there’s no question where he stands on that. … You can’t question his integrity.”

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/mar/18/vancouver-preps-for-bernie-sanders-visit/