Ryan's Victory Rally in New Philadelphia brings enthusiastic response from area residents

"This was the first rally I've ever been to in my life. It's significant to see Paul Ryan here," stated New Philadelphia resident Tom Swisshelm.

"I am a registered Democrat, but I'm going to vote Republican…the country is a big business, and we need a businessman to straighten it out," noted his wife Beth.

The couple were part of a crowd of about 2,000 people who came out to hear Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan speak at the Gradall company in New Philadelphia Oct. 27.

"It's a great opportunity for us to show off our product, our people, and our facility," commented Gradall president Mike Haberman. "It's also good for Tuscarawas County to be able to have an event like this and focus on what we have in this county; the quality of the people, the quality of the workforce, and the quality of the product that comes out of here.

"We are a publicly traded company, so we don't endorse," Haberman added. "What we want is for our employees, as well as all people, to take the opportunity to get to know the campaigns of both and make a decision based on what they think is best for them and their family."

"Having Ryan here just shows the importance that Tuscarawas County has in this race, and to the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world," said Tuscarawas County Republican chairman Doug Wills. "The Associated Press has identified Tuscarawas County as one of the 106 counties that has to be won by either side, so that's why we want to win it for the Romney-Ryan ticket."

Alec and Eian Birtcher, twin 21-year-old brothers from Carrollton, were at the rally to support the candidate. Both are laid off from their jobs, and are trying to put themselves through college.

"I'm here because I'm hoping with Romney the economy will pick up and I can hopefully get my good job back. I feel that a lot of people my age are uneducated about the candidates and voted for the wrong reasons. They need to educate themselves to see a better choice," said Alec.

Added Eian, "It means a lot that Ryan spends his time to come out to a small community like New Philadelphia. It will help him get a lot of support."

New Philadelphia teachers Julie Schonauer and Staci Everett were in the crowd. "It's awesome that Ryan came here today. I'm here to support him and hoping that Romney and Ryan win," said Schonauer.

Everett added, "I think it's great that they are coming into small communities to see what we are doing on a local… level. It's wonderful to see Ryan here."

"As a business owner, to be able to provide a quality workplace for my employees, and to be able to be profitable and hire new employees, it all goes toward the Republican ticket," explained attendee Drew Yosick. "We think this election is so important for this country. Ryan coming here shows how important Tuscarawas County and Middle America is in this election."

"We are so thrilled that the campaign has chosen to stop in Tuscarawas County, given the county's and Ohio's importance in the election, and the fact that so many of the issues that are huge nationwide issues affect life here, too," commented Judy Burnham, who is a nurse and mother of seven.

Dr. Jack Burnham also expressed his support. "This is a very, very important election for so many reasons. The state of health care is in crisis. I don't think that Obamacare is the solution. It is very frightening, and I think it is adversely going to affect our health care. Obviously, this race is very important… the campaign sees the need to get our support. We in Tuscarawas County are a small cog in the overall scheme, but we know we are important."