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Tipper Gore campaigns for husband

Tipper Gore made a campaign stop in Tucson Friday afternoon that drew about 250 supporters because of one UA student.

Laura Sanchez, a public administration graduate student, organized the rally for presidential hopeful Al Gore at Carpenters Union, 606 S. Plumer Ave.

Sanchez said she worked with the Gore campaign state coordinator and the Tipper team to bring the second lady to Tucson while she was visiting the western states.

She added that the area is more liberal because of the makeup of local supporters.

"Tucson is key because of the Hispanic community, and it is much more Democratic," Sanchez said.

The city residents don't get to see as many politicians because candidates usually go to Phoenix, Sanchez said.

"It was really nice to get local people involved, people tend to feel detached from politics," she said.

Gore gave a short talk on Vice President Al Gore's issues, not touching on her own causes.

She was introduced by U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., as an early advocate of parental consideration for compact discs and her work with the disabled.

Gore said America has the lowest unemployment rate, especially among women, Hispanic and African-American groups.

"This economy is good for working families," she said.

However, she said not everyone was experiencing the economic benefits.

"We know not everyone is enjoying these fruits of labor," she said. "It's not justice for a few, it's only justice when we all share it."

She spent most of the time discussing health care, the environment and education.

University of Arizona political science sophomore Kate Vesely said that even though she wasn't missing class, said she would have considered skipping school to see Gore.

"She's a very motivational speaker, (she) touched on a lot of things that were important to Democrats," she said. "I really like his (Al Gore's) platform about health care for kids and equal pay for women."

Gore "really energized the crowd" and knows her issues, said Melinda Mills, co-president of the UA Young Democrats.

"The Democratic party's chances of winning is stronger because you're here today," Gore said to the cheering crowd members who donned blue Gore 2000 stickers.

"She's not a politician herself, she seems more real to me," said Mills, a political science sophomore. "Hillary (Clinton) is more reserved, Tipper seems someone you can sit down and talk to."

About 25 UA students showed up for the rally, including the Young Democrats Club and Associated Students members.