Election 2008: Stand-ins urge support for Clinton, Obama

Spokespersons for the two Democratic presidential candidates often shared some ideas Thursday night, but one they spoke of frequently was to break from the policies and politics of the Bush presidency.

Nina Trasoff, Tucson council member and former TV announcer spoke on behalf of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Tucson lawyer Bruce Heurlin spoke for Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY.

About 100 Democrats watched the candidates’ surrogates in Green Valley although the candidates were engaged on a national TV debate at the same time.

Heurlin spoke of Clinton’s experience in government and said as President she’ll be able to move freely through gatherings of the world’s leaders.

He said “I’ll be voting for experience.”

Trasoff said Obama can be leading the government “from Day 1,” adding “He’ll hit the ground heading in the right direction.”

Among things the two surrogates were asked were about the border fence and the illegal immigrants that travel through Arizona looking for work throughout the United States.

“We have an impossible policy that doesn’t work” Huerlin said of immigration reform and sealing the border.

“Money is being wasted” said Obama surrogate Trasoff, adding, “a wall is not what we need. What we need is a visa program that works, and not a knee-jerk solution by the right wing.”

Trasoff said she wasn’t prepared to discuss Obama’s health care plans, but Huerlin reminded the audience of the ambitious health plan that Hillary Clinton prepared for President Bill Clinton, only to see conservatives in Congress scuttle it.

The audience frequently applauded the speakers.

Both were critical of President Bush Iraq-war policies.

Clinton spokesperson Huerlin said she won’t continue sending American GIs to Iraq. And he said “The United States is not policeman to the world,” adding, “Her plan won’t leave Iraq in worse shape that it’s already in.”

Obama has said he’ll start withdrawing troops almost immediately, said Trasoff.

“Just think of the breath of fresh air Obama will bring to other heads of state,” said Trasoff adding America has withdrawn from its ties of other free-world countries.

Huerlin said Clinton “can make the changes starting on Jan. 20. She knows how.”

On Thursday Clinton led with 256 delegates to Obama’s 188. It will take 2,025 votes to win the nomination.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano has endorsed Obama and has campaigned for him in New Mexico, her former home.

Arizona is one of 20 states that will vote on Super Tuesday.

Clinton’s a U.S. Senator from New York; Obama, a Senator from Illinois.

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