Democrats Rally Outside Fairgrounds As Republicans Debate Inside

As Republican presidential hopefuls took to the , Brandon-area Democrats took to the streets Sept. 12 hoping to catch the ears and eyes of voters.

The debate, sponsored by CNN and the Tea Party Express, drew all nominees for the Republican nomination to the Florida State Fairgrounds, with hundreds packing the hall to watch U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmass (R-Minn.), former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah governor Jon Huntsman, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney trade verbal blows.

Outside looking in, but eager to he heard, were Democrats who organized a to highlight what they believe are the important issues the candidates should be addressing.

The rally was organized by the Rev. Charles McKenzie and promoted by the members of the East Hillsborough County Democtratic Club.

Not surprisingly, jobs and the economy dominated both the debate and rally inside and outside the Fairgrounds hall venue.

While the solutions differ, Democrats at the rally and Republicans on the stage both agreed, as the phrase widely used during Bill Clinton's 1992 run for president: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

“We need to have support for working people,” said Alan Peacock, as he waved an American flag just outside the Fairground’s entrance on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. “These Republicans want to destroy workers’  rights.”

Peacock, president of Branch 599 of the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents much of Hillsborough County’s postal workers, said Republicans are energizing Democratic voters.

“Labor and working people are being mobilized for next November’s (presidential) election," he said. "We need to put more people to work in this country with decent-paying jobs.”

“We are here to make sure our kids have well-paying jobs in the future,” said Pam Benton, who joined Peacock at the rally with around 20 others.