Gingrich visits to shore up G.O.P. base

Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) speaks yesterday to support congressional candidate Tom Hickey.

By Jennifer Yachnin

Daily Staff Reporter

WESTLAND, Mich. - Carrying "I love Newt!" signs and cheering loudly, about 200 supporters of Republican candidate for Congress Tom Hickey gathered yesterday to listen to House Speaker Newt Gingrich during a fundraising event.

Pat Rosenstiel, campaign manager for Hickey, said the event yesterday raised between $30,000 and $50,000.

"It's going to help us highlight our message for working families," Rosenstiel said.

The event was not planned to counter activities by Hickey's opponent, incumbent Lynn Rivers (D- Ann Arbor), held in Detroit yesterday afternoon, Rosenstiel said.

"The timing was circumstantial," Rosenstiel said. "We were planning on being here (yesterday) before we know about" Rivers' activities.

Hickey, who spoke only briefly during the event, said he appreciated Gingrich's support of his campaign.

"It's great to have Newt here. He helps to solidify our campaign and our grass roots people," Hickey said.

During his speech, Gingrich primarily addressed national issues including the budget, drug abuse and social security.

"I believe that we have no choice except to provide leadership on a worldwide basis," Gingrich said. "You have a great opportunity in Michigan ... for Congress to replace a liberal ... with Tom Hickey who will protect us."

A group of about 100 students from Plymouth Canton and Plymouth Salem high schools attended the event through the Close-Up Washington program.

"Politicians always seem to tiptoe around everything during campaigns," said Judy Oldfield, a Plymouth Canton sophomore. "We wouldn't be here if Gingrich wasn't here."

Jane Linna, also a Plymouth Canton sophomore, said she was displeased with what she perceived as a lack of depth in Hickey's campaign.

"He's just trying to get his name out there," Linna said.

Several of the high school students said Gingrich's presence is not likely to impact Hickey's campaign.

"This isn't the only person (Gingrich) is going to endorse," said Denise Dooley, a Plymouth Canton sophomore.

Darren Silvester, a teacher at Plymouth Salem who helped to organize the group, said the fundraiser was a good chance for the students to experience politics first-hand.

"I want them to participate, and at 15 years old, they get left out," Silvester said.

Val Wolf, a spokesperson for the Hickey campaign, said the turnout for the fundraiser was not surprising because of the mid-afternoon time slot. She added that she was pleased with the attendance of the high school students.

"Part of Tom's belief is that it starts at the bottom," Wolf said.

A handful of protesters outside the building carried signs stating "Protest Ken 'Porno' Starr" and "Newt's Do Nothing Congress."

Garden City resident Dan Savers said the protesters were not trying to stop others from attending the event but making a political statement by protesting Hickey's candidacy.

"I'm a working person, and I support candidates who support working people," Savers said.

Another protester, who asked not to be identified, said he objected to the House Speaker because he said, "I'm just a guy concerned about the direction our country is going in."

Members of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners also attended the festivities.

"We are the largest pro-gun initiative in Michigan," Dykman said. "We're showing our support for the party."

Dykman said Gingrich's presence spurred the already supportive crowd.

"A lot of folks are going out of here with motivation they didn't have when they came in," Dykman said.

10-23-98

ADRIANA YUGOVICH/Daily

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