By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Local supporters of Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards braved cold temperatures for a rally Wednesday afternoon on the steps of City Hall.
Masten District Common Council Member Antoine Thompson is the highest ranking area Democrat backing the Edwards campaign. But he was joined by a host of others, from city and suburbs alike. All seemed to be energized by Edwards' strong second-place finish in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary. Thompson said an Edwards presidency would be good for Buffalo.
"I think he has a good urban agenda," Thompson said. "He's committed to cities. He's committed to education. He's concerned about the economy.
"Cities like Buffalo have been decimated over the past 40 years from companies going to Mexico or overseas. Buffalo is a poster child for the John Edwards campaign.
Edwards seems to be picking up support from a wide political spectrum. Prominent African-American politicians supporting him include Thompson, Arthur Eve Jr. and former University District Council Member Betty Jean Grant. But also supporting Edwards is a self-described conservative Democrat, Tonawanda Town Council Member John Flynn.
"Here in Western New York, you have a strong contingent of conservative Democrats," Flynn said. "I believe that John Edwards will appeal to the conservative Democrats here in Western New York. He will not only win here, but all across New York State."
Flynn said Edwards presents the Democrats' best chance to defeat President Bush in November's election. Edwards himself will appear at the Polish Cadets Hall at Grant and Amherst Streets in Buffalo Friday night.