President visits Polk

LAKELAND - President George W. Bush's campaign visit to Lakeland drew thousands of supporters chanting, "Four more years," as he, and other officials, stepped from his Marine One helicopter.

Bush's visit Saturday, at the Joker Marchant Stadium practice fields, was part of a two-day Florida Victory 2004 tour that included stops in St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Melbourne and Fort Myers.

"It is a beautiful day to be campaigning in the great state of Florida," Bush said. "Of course, according to your governor, every day is a beautiful day in Florida. I am here to ask for your vote and I am here to ask for your help."

Bush's arrival was preceded by speakers warming up the crowd. Those speakers included Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, State Reps. Marty Bowen, and John Stargel; State Sens. J.D. Alexander and Paula Dockery; Congressman Adam Putnam and Gov. Jeb Bush.

Making a grand entrance by landing on the practice fields, George W. Bush arrived with four helicopters. Even the high winds and loud noise generated by the helicopters could not quiet the crowd.

As Florida is one of several battleground states, with an important 27 electoral votes, George W. Bush began his campaign message by encouraging everyone to get out and vote.

"(As a) matter of fact, in your state, voting time is already here," Bush said. "Please go to your friends and neighbors, people from all parties, don't overlook discerning democrats...they want a better country too. Tell them we have a duty in this country to vote. Tell them we have a obligation in a free society to go to the polls."

George W. Bush continued his political rally by outlining what he called "five clear choices," that separate him from opponent Sen. John Kerry.

The choices include family security, the family budget, a better quality of life, retirement, and bedrock values.

"The outcome of this election will set the direction of the war against terrorism," Bush said speaking on the country's security. "I believe the most solemn duty of the president, the most solemn duty, is to protect the American people."

The crowd cheered.

As the president continued, he pointed out the differences between himself and Kerry, sometimes making jokes.

Regarding his view of Kerry's plan on the war on terrorism, he said: "You cannot win a war if you are not convinced we are even in one. My opponent has a Sept. 10 point of view. I will never turn over America's security decisions to leaders of other countries."

Bush pushed his ideas of lower taxes to the middle class, support for education, association health programs, more community health centers, more restrictions on frivolous medical mal-practice lawsuits, social security reform, prescription Medicare drug coverage for seniors, and promised there would be no military draft.

"As your president for the next four years, I will defend the reforms we have worked so hard to pass and keep the promise of Medicare for our seniors," he said.

"My opponent has said the heart and soul of American can be found in Hollywood. The heart and soul of American is found in communities like Lakeland, FL."

Bush's address, which lasted approximately a half and hour, moved many supporters. In his closing to the crowd, Bush made his way around the crowd shaking the hands of many voters.

"I didn't get to shake his hand but my hand did brush his shoulder," Lakeland resident Sandy Meeks said. "It gave me chill bumps. It was nice of him to come here."

Although Meeks and her family all support Bush, the decision between presidential candidates divided two Lakeland sisters.

While Kim Spurlock supports Bush, her sister Brittany Prosser views Kerry as her candidate of choice.

"I respect him as a man, but I want Kerry as my leader," Prosser said.

Although the sisters have a different point of view when it comes to candidates, both enjoyed Bush's visit to their hometown of Lakeland.

"It was probably the most awesome experience," Spurlock said. "We are grateful for him to come out here."