HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
She is called the second lady and Dr. Jill Biden's appearance in the midstate Monday morning might just be further proof that Pennsylvania is playing second fiddle in the race to the White House.
The wife of Vice President Joe Biden was in Harrisburg, she'll be in Lancaster on Tuesday, to fire up Obama-Biden volunteers to get the vote out. Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania.
The Biden's have Pennsylvania cred. He is from Scranton. She grew up in Willow Grove, a Philadelphia suburb. She mentioned their roots in her 11-minute remarks. But it is clear the top-tier candidates, Obama-Biden and Romney-Ryan, are mostly ignoring the Keystone State.
Pundits suggest that the Republicans are conceding Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes, so Democrats don't have to fight in the Commonwealth. The evidence, appearances and media ad buys suggest they're right. Jill Biden says otherwise.
"We're not taking anything for granted," she told abc27 News in a one-on-one interview following her speech. "We're here. We're talking to people and trying to get people registered."
Her biggest applause line came when she took on a controversial Pennsylvania law while talking to volunteers. "We've gotta get the news out to people that they do not need a photo ID to vote," Biden said to a huge ovation.
Obama volunteer Mary Easter loved it, and the second lady's visit.
"It's historic, with her coming to Harrisburg and our headquarters here," Easter said. "She was terrific. She was great."
Biden didn't exactly have to compete for attention on her whistle-stop across the state. The Capitol press corps, every local television station and PCN all showed up for her "rah-rah" routine in Harrisburg, so starved are they for a piece of the presidential action.
Edith Thomas of Harrisburg had two Obama buttons and a big smile after Biden left.
"I came here to see Mrs..." Thomas then hesitated. "What's her name again?" I reminded her it was Biden. "Yeah, Mrs. Biden. I loved her. She is beautiful."
Karl Dunkleberger of Harrisburg is also a fan, but wisftully longs for the good old days of elections past, namely 2004 and 2008, when the top of the ticket candidates made frequent visits to the midstate.
"We don't have as many stump speeches like Mrs. Clinton, who was here at least eight times and Mister Obama was here at least five times," he said.
Republicans in Pennsylvania insist their troops are also fired up. A spokeswoman said following the debate, widely considered a victory for Romney, that 700 volunteers statewide signed up. She promises a huge surprise for Democrats in November.
So when will Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan surprise the midstate with a visit?
"Hopefully soon," said Romney Pennsylvania spokeswoman Kate Meriwether with enthusiasm and a smile.
But then reality.
We don't have any dates scheduled right now," she said.
I asked, "How about Mrs. Ryan?"
Meriwether replied simply, "I wish."
