Politics & Government

Thousands Brave Lines, Cold to Cheer Romney

With the election less than 48 hours away, Romney's visit to Shady Brook Farm is one indication the campaign believes Pennsylvania is in play.

Thousands of supporters braved long lines and cold temperatures to attend Mitt Romney’s rally at Shady Brook Farm Sunday night. 

With the election less than 48 hours away, Romney’s stop in Bucks County is one indication the campaign feels the Keystone State, with its 20 electoral votes, is in play.

An estimated 25,000 people showed up to support the former Massachusetts governor, who told an enthusiastic crowd, “we’re taking back the White House because we’re going to win Pennsylvania.”

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The large crowd began forming hours before Romney arrived. Lines to get through security stretched from the farm to the Newtown Bypass for several hours leading up to the event. 

Supporters, some holding signs and flags, bundled up to endure temperatures in the low 40s and a chilling wind. The rally began at 5 p.m. with words from Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick and Tom Smith, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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The Marshall Tucker Band then took the stage, playing three songs. The band finished up the performance with their classic rock hit “Can’t You See,” substituting lyrics to reference President Obama.

Sen. Pat Toomey then took the stage, telling supporters “we’re freezin’ for a reason. We’re here to welcome the next president of the United States.”

Gov. Tom Corbett introduced Romney, who came straight from a rally in Cleveland, Ohio. Corbett garnered loud cheers when he told the crowd, "Pennsylvania is in play.”

Shortly after, Romney’s bus rolled up to a roaring crowd. “You’re here because you care about America,” he said. Romney said his record of achievement puts him in the position to be a successful leader for the country.

“Talk is cheap. Change can’t be measured in speeches, it’s measured in achievements,” the candidate said.

Romney criticized Obama for squeezing the middle class, saying his policies have hurt the economy.

“The president thinks more government is the answer. No, Mr. President, more jobs is the answer,” Romney said.

Romney said his plan for America includes taking advantage of domestic energy resources, including the approval of the controversial Keystone Pipeline, tackling “out of control” spending and supporting small businesses.

Romney said he’s confident Pennsylvania will go red this election. “These last few months of this campaign have gathered the strength of a movement,” he said.

The candidate spoke for about 25 minutes. The rally concluded around 7:15 p.m. Romney was scheduled to head to Virginia for a final rally of the day in Newport News.

Obama, meanwhile, visited Ohio, Florida, New Hampshire and Colorado Sunday in his final push before Election Day.

A Republican hasn't won Pennsylvania in the presidential election since George H.W. Bush's 1988 victory. The Real Clear Politics polling average as of Sunday night has Obama with a four-point edge over Romney.

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