Jerry Springer goes door-to-door for his candidate, John Kerry

A surprised Winthrop Street resident gives Jerry Springer a big hug when the celebrity shows up unannounced at her door. MORRISON / BLADE PHOTO Enlarge

Talk-show host Jerry Springer joked that he had quite a costume as he went door-to-door in Toledo last night asking people to support Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry at the polls tomorrow.

Mr. Springer met with members of the local Services Employees International Union at the UAW Local 12 hall on Ashland Avenue near Bancroft Street before taking to the streets to campaign as the sun set on Halloween.

"I'm dressed like this Jerry Springer guy," the former mayor of Cincinnati said as he walked through the neighborhood. "And I've got the best costume."

Mr. Springer, who considered running for the U.S. Senate, has been knocking on doors and meeting with voters in the months leading up to the election.

"It's been great," he said. "Sure, being a celebrity gets people's attention, but you have to have something to say."

He said he came to northwest Ohio yesterday because he knows how important this region will be in determining who wins tomorrow.

"This is a key part of the state," he said. "We just need to make sure everyone gets out and votes."

During brief remarks at the union hall, Mr. Springer spoke about job losses, health care, education, and Iraq. Outside, he knocked on doors and listened as unassuming residents recognized him before he could make his pitch for votes.

Maxwell Adeyi, 53, was shocked when Mr. Springer came to his door.

"It's a political season," Mr. Adeyi said. "Anybody could show up."

Shawn Carnes, a 40-year-old Teamster, said it is about time someone like Mr. Springer paid a visit to his neighborhood.

"You can't get no more real than that," he said. "Normally, a guy who is in politics won't come to the 'hood."

Democrats across the region yesterday spoke to thousands of voters in the closing hours of the campaign, reminding them to show up to the polls on Election Day. Party workers were making hundreds of phone calls to voters throughout the region.

They also continued training attorneys who will be on hand at the polls.

Democrats are sending 160 Toledo-area lawyers, 90 out-of-state lawyers, and 50 law students to the polls to observe. Party officials have said none of the lawyers will challenge any votes.

This morning, Kerry supporters are planning to wave signs for rush-hour drivers.