The floodgates opened and people poured in, ushers scrambled to seat those with special green tickets and tickets labeled ADA. Everyone else with a blue ticket was instructed to find a seat or space. The storm of traffic subsided and music filled the room, so did the chatter of people anxious to hear the speakers. This was the pandemonium that filled the James Madison University Festival Conference and Student Center on Oct. 29. Hundreds of people lined the JMU campus hoping to receive entrance to the biggest political event since the Romney Ryan rally last year. Former President Bill Clinton and Democrat Governor candidate Terry McAuliffe spoke to a packed crowd in the ballroom.

Both politicians spoke to the audience about reforms McAuliffe is hopingto implement if elected governor. Clinton emphasized how important a ‘deal maker’ would be in Congress, and went on to name McAuliffe that person. The candidate stressed the necessity of equality for all citizens as well as the importance of job creation. McAuliffe is a strong believer in providing Medicaid for all Virginia citizens in need, reforming public education, and protecting women’s health issues. Both men talked directly to the large number of students who were in attendance. McAuliffe voiced concerns that college students might graduate but have a hard time finding jobs in the current political climate, pledging to minimize this possibility.

The rally served to heightened the rising excitement over the election of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General on Nov. 5.