Collegiate Times

Roberta McCain, mother to prospective presidential candidate John McCain, dropped by the Republican headquarters to thank volunteers.

John McCain's mother Roberta McCain stopped by the Republican Headquarters in downtown Blacksburg yesterday at 3:15 p.m. The 96-year-old enthusiastically thanked volunteers who have been campaigning for her son at the meet-and-greet.

She entered the small, packed room lined with McCain-Palin yardsigns and bumper stickers to a roar of the crowd. College Republicans, officials within the Montgomery County Republican Party, and other volunteers for the campaign tripped over each other to see Roberta McCain walk in.

The gathering of volunteers crowded into the headquarters, which couldn't comfortably fit everyone who wanted to see McCain. Some people had to wait outside while she spoke.

"Why I'm here is to thank each and every one of you for everything you've done," McCain said. "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be holding up our hand in victory on Tuesday night."

She proceeded to admittedly "brag" about her son and his ability to lead the country.

"My son, he doesn't need any on-the-job training," McCain said. "He's ready."

She referenced John McCain's service to the country, mainly his 20 years in the military.

"He's always been a leader. He started serving his country when he was 17 years old and, you know, he never stopped," McCain said. "Here you have a man whose entire life has been dedicated to God and his country and to people like us in this room."

She not only spoke about John McCain, but the other males in her family who have served in the military, noting that the latest John Sidney McCain in a long line is scheduled to graduate from the Naval Academy this coming May.

McCain shared other facts with the audience about John McCain and his father. They were the first father and son to have four stars in the navy, which is the highest honor, she said. Also, they were the first father and son to have two naval ships named after them.

She spoke about her grandson who is currently serving in the Marine Corps. He has been in Iraq and Afghanistan.

McCain signed posters of her picture and took pictures with people who have worked on her son's campaign for months.

Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Patty Manthe said volunteers have been working at the headquarters from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

They have tables set up with 30 charging cell phones for volunteers to call Montgomery County citizens with information about the McCain-Palin ticket. When a volunteer ends one call, he or she starts dialing someone else. Last week, the office collectively made 16,000 calls. They've also been going door-to-door to get out their message.

Manthe said the next few days before the election will be intense.

"I'm sure we're going to ramp it up in the last week here," Manthe said.

McCain was only in the headquarters for about 30 minutes, but she was able to personally thank many of these volunteers who are making calls and going door-to-door. The volunteers were certainly appreciative of McCain's stop by the office. Pam Pettit of Blacksburg said she just moved to town with her husband, who graduated from Virginia Tech. They stopped by the headquarters a couple days ago to get a yard sign, and was informed about McCain's upcoming appearance.

"I'm here ... to be a part of the Republican community and part of the Hokie Nation," Pettit said, adding that seeing an older woman who is so excited about her son's campaign was "like a ... treasure, really".

Another bystander commented on McCain's age.

"I read something in the Roanoke Times talking about the fact that (John) McCain is too old," said Tyler Humphreys, an event visitor. "Considering that his mother is out campaigning for him, I don't see that as a problem."