by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Republican Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain let the people of Jacksonville know that his stop in Jacksonville Monday wasn’t just another stop along the campaign trail.
“I’m very fond of Jacksonville and the people of Orange Park,” said McCain. “I was stationed here while I was in the Navy and the people of Orange Park helped take care of my family when I was taken prisoner during the Vietnam War.”
It wasn’t only the area that McCain was fond of, he was also thankful for all the people who “got out of bed at 9 a.m. and came down here on a Monday morning.” About 5,000 people filed into the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena to listen to McCain’s message.
“We originally planned to have a breakfast with 750-1,000 people,” said John Falconetti, chairman of the Duval County Republican Executive Committee. “We announced it and the phones started ringing off the hook. So we moved it over to the Arena and it turned out to be a great event.”
Some of those in attendance included Gov. Charlie Crist, former governors Bob Martinez and Jeb Bush, former U.S. Rep. and presidential candidate Jack Kemp, U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, Mayor John Peyton, Sheriff John Rutherford and the event was emceed by former Jaguar Jeff Lageman.
Former Jaguar Tony Boselli may be more well known in political circles due to his involvement in community and government programs and Lageman is vocal as well. However, he doesn’t have any plans to pursue public office, for now.
“I’m not passionate about politics,” said Lageman, “but I am passionate about our way of life and the Constitution. That’s why I was at the rally today.”
Another well-known person in political circles, Blue Cross and Blue Shield lobbyist Mike Hightower, attended the rally sporting his trademark blue shirt with white collar despite the e-mail request that attendees wear red to signify bringing the state to the Republican Party. Hightower did bring a red sweater with him to show his support for McCain.
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