(Oct. 26) -- After Senator John Kerry got the crowd fired up at Jaycee Park in Las Vegas, campaign workers kept the momentum going. Direct from the rally, they drove six busloads of voters to early-polling places. While Kerry's visit Tuesday was to rally his supporters, it was also a get out the vote effort. Several times during his speech, the Senator used the phrase, "in the next 7 days when you go to the polls." His camp decided to make it easier for voters.
"I'll be able to look you in the eye and tell you every day for the next 4 years I've got your back. That's what's this is about, let's go make it happen!" said Kerry right before he left the stage at Jaycee Park.
Those words were encouragement enough for some to hop onto a bus provided by the Kerry campaign and head to an early voting site.
"I was going to wait for election day but they said there was a bus that would take us right down and I don't have a car so I figured I'd take the opportunity," says Shaun Flodquist, a registered Democrat.
Kerry's campaign emphasized they would take Democrats and Republicans, regardless of which way they voted.
"We're more than happy to bring them right over to the polls. Democrats are doing what they can to get everyone out to vote and protect that right," says Jon Summers, a spokesperson for NV's Democratic Party.
Several of the buses headed to the Boulevard Mall, and some followed in cars behind.
"I procastinate, my friend knows that. He dropped me off and said no, no, no you go vote right now, you never know something might happen," says Bill Medve, who is registered Independant.
While Kerry's speech energized some to take advantage of the free ride, the majority of the buses the campaign had on hand were not full. But the poor showing didn't disappoint those that did vote.
No, I think most people came in their cars and they know exactly what they're going to do. They were very set, very decided that they were going to vote for Kerry," says a woman who rode the bus.
The line to vote inside the mall was long with shoppers. Those fresh off the bus joined in to cast their ballots. While their choices may have differed, what they shared was a desire to have their vote counted.
And Eyewitness News has learned former President Bill Clinton will be soon be in Las Vegas campaigning for Senator John Kerry. The details of his visit have yet to be released, but reports are he will be in town both Friday and Saturday,
Senator Kerry had a very busy itenerary Tuesday. He started his day at the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. Kerry worked the crowd and then delivered a speech on homeland security and Iraq. Kerry's pressing his case that President Bush misled Americans about the reasons for war and mismanaged operations on the ground.
For additional information on the Kerry/Edwards campaign, go to: johnkerry.com, or call 1-866-737-DEMS
