Published: 2/25/2008

McCain stresses Ohio's importance in Cleveland-area visit

BLADE STAFF

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio During a brief speech Monday morning to more than 2,000 people, Arizona Sen. John McCain called Ohio 'one of the most important states in America.'

He said that since 1964, every candidate for president has been elected if they win the Ohio primary. The crowd at the Dom Umerley Civic Center erupted in applause after he made the comment.

Mr. McCain touched on issues such as the economy, green technology, foreclosures, and the Iraq war. He then fielded questions from the audience in a town hall format for about 45 minutes.

One audience member asked the senator how he plans to deal with immigration.

'We must secure our borders,' Mr. McCain said, a statement that was also met with applause.

Emilie Illson, a stay-at-home mom from Rocky River, a western suburb of Cleveland, said Sen. McCain has the type of leadership she wants in a politician.

'The man has integrity. That I've never before seen in a politician. I trust him.'

Read more in later editions of The Blade and toledoblade.com

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