Here's the story from the Steubenville, Ohio, TV station:
WHEELING, WV -- Hundreds of Ohio Valley residents crammed Wheeling's White Palace to hear John Kerry speak Monday afternoon. Before they took their seats, however, they waited in line for hours just to get inside. Security was tight around the building, and everyone going in was scanned, and guards checked bags.
During the long wait, residents had the chance to talk about why they support John Kerry. "It's such an excitement to be here to see the next president of the United States," said a Follansbee resident.
"Anyone but Bush - that's why I support Kerry," said another. [Of course]
Kerry supporters bashed George W. Bush, saying it's time for him to go. "I think he's doing a terrible job, and I can't wait to get rid of him," said a Kerry supporter.
"We need to get Bush out of the White House, and that's all there is to it! He's not helping us, Iraq is not helping us," said Valerie Collier of St. Clairsville.
"Never in my 76 years have I seen a president down on the working people as much as Bush is," added Kenny Perdue of Clarksberg.
The consensus among Kerry supporters is that John Kerry will be good for the working folks. During Monday's rally, sheet metal workers wore bright yellow t-shirts supporting Kerry, and laborers held signs of support as well. "He's for the working people of West Virginia. We like his platform. Bush is the master of deception for West Virginia. He has never come through with anything," said Kerry supporter Joe Bowen.
Kerry's backers say he's better for health care, education, jobs and better for America. But not everyone agrees with Kerry in the Ohio Valley. Just before Kerry arrived in Wheeling dozens of pro-Bush supporters showed up toting signs and a blow-horn. [??? I think the word is 'bullhorn'] They say Kerry is wrong for West Virginia.
"Bush supports the steelworkers. That's what the valley needs to understand. That's what we're trying to show the valley today," said Bush supporter James Poland.
The Kerry protesters chanted rhymes poking-fun at Kerry, and they questioned his policies. They say he plans on raising taxes and weakening the Patriot Act. Pro-life activists also displayed signs to remind voters Bush is for life, while Kerry is pro-choice.
Congressman Bob Ney was also on hand to support the President. He says Kerry is not for the steelworkers or coal miners in the Ohio Valley. "In 1999, Senator Kerry voted against having the president support tariffs," said Ney. "He's the only senator who voted for the Kyoto Treaty. The Kyoto Treaty would have eliminated every single coal mining job and all the spin off jobs."
Bush supporters continued their rallies Monday night at the Ramada Inn in Wheeling where Kerry was staying during his visit. link