Published: October 31, 2008 04:43 pm      

NEW – Daschle stumps for Obama in Ebensburg, Johnstown

EBENSBURG — Former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle, an early supporter of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, visited a local personal care home today, drumming up support for Obama.

Daschle, who represented South Dakota for 18 years and was a Senate majority leader, shook hands with and spoke before approximately 40 residents and workers at Rebekah Manor.

He said that Obama - in contrast to GOP contender Joh McCain - is a strong supporter of Social Security, Medicare, universal health care, and closing a gap in coverage for drugs under Medicare’s Part D.

McCain has called for privatization of some of the Social Security program and cutbacks in some Medicare programs, Daschle said.

The U. S. is the only industrialized nation in the world without health care for all regardless of their circumstances, he said.

“As you decide how you’ll vote, make sure you’re aware of those differences before you vote,” Daschle said.

After his Ebensburg stop, Daschle visited the Obama campaign office in downtown Johnstown.