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Asheville area proves to be big political draw
Asheville is not a particularly large city in comparison to many others in the United States, but it certainly is the political, business, communications and cultural hub of Western North Carolina — and it has been amazing how it has drawn top candidates in the United States’ presidential race to the city and a few surrounding communities.
The general election will be held Nov. 8, pitting Democrat Hillary Clinton against Republican Donald J. Trump, along with a number of third-party hopefuls.
Among those visiting Asheville (pop. 87,236) and the area — all visiting twice — have been Trump, GOP vice presidential nominee Mike Pence and Democratic nominee Tim Kaine. The only major candidate not to visit here to campaign has been Clinton, although her daughter Chelsea did put in an appearance. Trump’s son, Donald Jr., also has visited.
Of course, North Carolina is considered a key swing state in the election — and Western North Carolina features ultra-liberal and solidly Democratic Asheville along with more conservative and Republican-leaning adjoining mountain counties, so it is an area that could be considered a toss-up, politically, thereby drawing the prolific campaign visits.
We are pleased that Asheville and the area are getting the attention of potential future leaders of the country — not to mention free publicity for the city from the news media that often is very complimentary .
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