First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at Juanita Sanchez High School in Providence Thursday. Photos by Steve Klamkin, WPRO News
WPRO Newsroom
First Lady Michelle Obama led a “get out the vote” rally Thursday at the Juanita Sanchez High School in Providence for candidate for governor Gina Raimondo and other Democrats on the ballot next Tuesday.
“Thank you guys, get it done, get to the polls, stay fired up,” Mrs. Obama told upwards of 1,000 people crowded into the school’s gymnasium.
“Ready to go! Make it happen, Rhode Island, we’re counting on you,” she said.
Raimondo asked for support, saying the race is very close.
“I’m working as hard as I can for these next five days and I need you right there with me to drag this over the finish line,” said Raimondo.
The First Lady also said that the race is very close, adding just ten votes per precinct could make the difference.
“I know that everybody here knows ten people who didn’t vote, ten people who just missed it, ten people who didn’t register, ten young people who didn’t think it mattered, ten people who didn’t vote because it rained,” said Obama, “And that decided who your governor will be, ten votes!”
The four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation also attended the rally. They include Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressmen James Langevin and David Cicilline.
Mrs. Obama’s visit is the first part of a two-day campaign stop for Raimondo by members of the Obama family. President Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive in Rhode Island Thursday night and will speak Friday morning at Rhode Island College.
