Steubenville prepares for McCain rally

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - Steubenville city electricians Bob DiFonzo and John Wineman were busy early today checking for any problems with the extra electrical cables running across Market Street.

"We can't have the power going out. So we are just checking everything one more time," said DiFonzo, a foreman in the city's electrical department.

Steubenville Police officers were getting last minute instructions from acting Police Chief Joel Walker.

"Everyone is going to have to go through the metal detectors on Third Street. We just need to make sure no one comes down Market Street and tries to enter from the Fourth Street side," instructed Walker.

And supporters of Republican presidential candidate John McCain were waiting patiently for entrance to the spectator area of the noon "Whistle Stop" rally on the front steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse.

McCain's "Straight Talk Express" bus caravan was expected to arrive at the courthouse at approximately noon today for the second of four rallies in Ohio in a last-minute two-day campaign swing through Ohio.

The Jefferson County Courthouse was closed today until 1:30 p.m. because of security preparations for McCain's visit, officials said.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said there were plans to leave the courthouse open all day today, but he believed it would create problems with people going in and out of the building.

"The Secret Service were happy with the idea (to close the building)," Abdalla said.

Several streets around the courthouse also were to be closed for the presidential candidates's visit. The Market Street Bridge was to be closed from 11 a.m. until after McCain leaves town.

McCain started his day at United Local High School in Columbiana County and was set to travel to a second "Whistle Stop" rally at Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia following his appearance in Steubenville today.

He is scheduled to finish his day at Nationwide Arena in Columbus late today with a visit from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

McCain's "Road to Victory Tour" in Ohio Thursday focused on the economy as the Republican stressed he has the answers for the nation's financial ills. His vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin was in Latrobe, Pa., early today and was expected to visit York, Pa.

Democrat presidential hopeful Barack Obama, vice presidential candidate Joe Biden and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also were expected to make stops in Ohio during a final campaign weekend blitz.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com; Law can be contacted at mlaw@heraldstaronline.com)