ELECTION '04 Kerry's stepson visits the area

The senator's stepson was in New Castle to encourage people to vote.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Andre Heinz realizes he's preaching to the choir. But the stepson of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry says he's got an important role to play, too.
Heinz, son of Teresa Heinz Kerry and the late Sen. John Heinz, made a lunchtime appearance Monday at the New Castle Young Democrats headquarters on North Street before about 60 to 70 Democrats who are already on board with Kerry's plans.
"It's a really close race. They want some encouragement and appreciation for their efforts. We definitely appreciate them. Every vote counts," Heinz said.
Heinz, 34, winced during his introduction when Lawrence County District Attorney Matthew Mangino called Heinz and his younger brother, Chris, "sex symbols."
He spoke for about five minutes on a raised area of the small headquarters and took questions from the audience.
Heinz then lingered around the headquarters for about 45 minutes talking to supporters individually and signing autographs.
Campaign efforts
Heinz said most of his campaign efforts have been focused on college campuses where he has encountered Republicans interested in John Kerry.
Heinz said he dropped out of the Republican Party in 1994 and now lists himself as "decline to state" on his voter registration.
During his brief remarks, Heinz touched on the greater divide between the rich and working class since President Bush took office.
"The only thing he's done is pass three tax cuts that have helped people like me, John Kerry, Ma and himself," said Heinz, who is heir to a large food fortune.
Carla VanDale of New Wilmington said she felt Heinz did a good job of talking about his stepfather's plans and making them understandable to the masses.
"He clarified some things," she said.
Jonathan Bell of New Castle said he attended because he believes Kerry has a better plan for the country.
"I don't want four more years," he said of Bush.
Kilie Pollio, president of Lawrence County Young Democrats, said her group is trying to bring in some statewide candidates to talk, as well as Chris Heinz and Kerry's two daughters, before the election.
cioffi@vindy.com