VIDEO: McCain visits FresnoJohn Ellis / The Fresno Bee06/23/08 08:40:10



9:44 a.m.: Seen in the audience: Former Fresno County schools superintendent and current California State University trustee Pete Mehas and Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa.

Looks like the McCain campaign was taking no chances. They wanted a good showing for McCain's town hall this morning at Fresno State's Satellite Student Union. At least one registered Republican voter on Friday received an automated phone call inviting them to the event.



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9:38 a.m.: Will Fresno City Council Member Brian Calhoun's "FresYes" campaign theme outlive his council tenure? Quite possibly. One of the signs on the side of the Satellite Student Union reads: "FresYes to McCain."


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9:28 a.m.: A McCain staffer says they expected 200 to 300 people to attended. "Looks like we've got 600," she said. "I'm pleased."

The man holding the sign didn't bring it in. Fresno resident Michael Kaser, 28, said it was on his seat when he arrived. It was likely a leftover sign that was posted up on the walls of the Satellite Student Union. But Kaser said he has no problem holding it up because he's a McCain supporter. "Chump change Obama can't cut it," he said.



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9:15 a.m.: Every seat is taken, but still the line outside snakes at least 100 feet long. Inside, it is becoming standing room only. People are now standing in the rear of the auditorium.


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9:11 a.m.: Apparently, the McCain campaign doesn't want people bringing in their own signs -- even though homemade signs line both walls of the Satellite Student Union. One man got a sign in, however, and it immediately caught the eye of campaign staffers, who debated what to do. One of their concerns was what the sign said. They'll probably allow the man to keep the sign, however. It says "McCain -- Real American Hero."



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9 a.m.: More than 200 people are now inside the Satellite Student Union, and it is just about at the capacity for the event. Only a few chairs remain open.

8:45 a.m.: Inside the Satellite Student Union, the lectern is set up with a sign reading "Reform Prosperity Peace." Behind McCain sits a group of locals on bleachers, with a California flag and an American flag behind them. Decorations at rally


Checking in through security




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8:30 a.m.: About 100 people are already inside Fresno State's Satellite Student Union, with another 100 outside waiting in line, to hear Arizona Senator and presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain speak.

McCain won California's Republican presidential primary in February with 42 percent of the vote. Mitt Romney garnered 34 percent, compared with Mike Huckabee's almost 12 percent.

Six women protesters are serenading those waiting in line with protest songs

Visit for live video from Fresno State and for video of the presentation this afternoon.
http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/685737.html