http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=264007A noon rally by striking members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union on Wednesday had been scheduled to take place directly in front of the University of Minnesota Administration building.
But minutes before it was to begin the rally was moved down onto the grassy Northrup Mall, the usual hangout for studying and sleeping undergraduates.
The big surprise was not where it was held, but who showed up to speak.
Braving the heat and humidity in a grey suit, Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential candidate John Edwards, showed up to lend support. She told the sign-waving strikers and their supporters, "If they respect you and believe in your dignity, they're going to provide you with this raise!"
It was a sudden burst of political star power on the first day of AFSCME's second strike in four years at the institution. There were chants aimed up the mall at University President Robert Bruinicks.
"Hey Bob!" hundreds called. "It's strike 2! Give fair pay to workers at the U!"
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