Obama wows folks at fundraiser
BOARDMAN — Those at a private fundraiser for Barack Obama came away impressed by the Democratic presidential hopeful and his plans for the country.
Mahoning County Commissioner John McNally IV called Obama, an Illinois senator, a “personable guy.”
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann said Obama inspires hope in people. Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, who had a brief private discussion with Obama, said he walked away thinking Obama is “an authentic person,” and someone he would want to talk to again. Obama so inspired Williams that the mayor said he’d vote for him if the election were today. The election is Nov. 4, 2008.
As Atty. Edwin Romero put it: “I was very impressed. His grasp, fluid delivery and the tenor of his comments wouldn’t have changed if he was speaking in front of 10,000 people at Youngstown State University.” Obama was “very sincere” when talking at Wednesday’s event, Romero said. “It didn’t sound like campaign rhetoric,” he said.
Outgoing Poland Mayor Ruth Wilkes said Obama was a “wonderful” speaker who “made some very encouraging remarks.”
They were among the nearly 100 people who paid $1,000 to $2,300 to attend the private, invitation-only fundraiser Wednesday for Obama at the Boardman home of Herb Washington, owner of the Youngstown Steelhounds professional hockey team.