Ohio backers fill arena during Bush appearance

The state is a key battleground in the presidential election.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- About 350 protesters waved signs supporting several causes -- the war in Iraq, clean water, fair trade and others -- across the street from the overflowing 10,000-seat arena where President Bush ended his campaign swing through Ohio.
Inside, there was only enthusiastic support in heavily Republican territory.
"It was a terrific speech he gave, and we need four more years of him," said Lois Allen, co-chairwoman at the Clinton County Bush-Cheney campaign organization, who was among a busload of Bush supporters who made the 50-mile trip from Wilmington.
Hundreds of supporters, still lined up for blocks outside the Cincinnati Gardens, were turned away when the arena reached capacity Tuesday night. Even they were in a forgiving mood.
"I don't blame the president," said Julia Gunderson of Cincinnati. "It's a great sign for President Bush that so many people showed up."
Bush found supportive crowds at other Ohio stops -- suburban Toledo, suburban Dayton and Lebanon. Neil Welsh, who joined Bush supporters on a bus trip from Hamilton, got a double dose of Bush's stump speech.
"I watched him on TV at Lebanon this afternoon, and he said about the same thing tonight," Welsh said. "I think he was right on target."
The day's agenda
Bush started the day at a pancake breakfast in Maumee, a Toledo suburb; traveled by bus to Trotwood, a Dayton suburb; then to Lebanon; then, the last 25-mile leg to Cincinnati.
Bush narrowly carried Ohio in 2000 and must win the acknowledged battleground state again if he is to defeat Sen. John Kerry, the likely Democratic challenger, in November.
"He wouldn't be coming out here if it were not an important area, or if the battle was won out here. It shows Dayton that we're an integral part in that we can make a difference and help him get re-elected," said Katy Garrison, 26, of Springfield, a professor at Urbana University.
Protesters in Cincinnati were an eclectic group. Their signs ranged from "Bush Ratify Kyoto" to "Israel out of Palestine."