Mainers praise message: hope, unity, security

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http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/040730demoside.shtml

Mainers praise message: hope, unity, security


By BART JANSEN, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.



BOSTON — "Hope." Wes MacLeod Ball, a Kennebunk delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said that's what struck him most about John Kerry's speech Thursday accepting the party's nomination.

"It was a great speech," said Ball, who had been pledged to former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and was looking to Kerry to sound the right themes for the Nov. 2 contest against President Bush.

Maine delegates uniformly praised the speech as red, white and blue balloons and confetti fell around them to the floor of the FleetCenter.

"It was terrific," said Betty Johnson of Lincolnville. "That was the greatest speech he's ever given."

Elaine Makas of Lewiston said she most appreciated one of Kerry's references to his service in Vietnam, where he led a swift boat while earning a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.

"He told about us all being together - we're all in the same boat," Makas said. "We're already together."<snip>