Former DNC chairman to visit region, tout Obama

The former head of Hillary Clinton’s presidental campaign and the Democratic National Committee will host a town hall meeting about health insurance Monday in Danville and South Boston.

Terry McAuliffe will be speaking to groups across Virginia to tout Sen. Barack Obama’s affordable insurance plan.

The forum is set for 2:15 p.m. Monday at the Community Market at the Crossing at the Dan, 629 Craghead St. South Boston’s town hall meeting is at 11:45 a.m. Monday at The Prizery, 700 Bruce St.

Sheila Baynes, head of the Danville Democratic Committee, is looking forward to the visit.

“It’s great that again Virginia, and especially Southside, is important to the Obama campaign,” she said.

Virginia Tech government professor and WSLS political analyst Robert Denton said visits like McAuliffe’s tell Democrats that Virginia is in play and they must do well in places like Southside.

“I suspect, if it stays close or Obama gets ahead, we’ll more likely see McCain or Palin ... the closer, the more likely, at least, one visit by McCain himself,” Denton said. “McCain needs well over 55 percent, especially in the 9th district to have a chance of winning state.”

Baynes said people are paying more attention to Southside than during previous elections.

“Health care is an important issue. This election is very important. People need a clear idea of what these candidates stand for and not just sound bites,” she said.

A release from the Obama campaign said his plan to provide affordable health care to every American and bring down its cost for the typical family by up to $2,500.

From 2001-2005, McAuliffe served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Contact Bernard Baker at or at (434) 791-7986.