In Lakeland, Obama Says Florida Facing Recession

[sniffa]

Barack Obama made it to Lakeland after all Friday, carrying the message of strengthening the economy.

But he did not make a trip to Munn Park in downtown Lakeland, which for days had been the rumored destination.

About 100 adults and children had gathered at the park Friday afternoon hoping to get a glimpse of the Democratic presidential nominee in waiting. He won't become the official nominee until the Democratic Party Convention in Denver, which begins Aug. 26.

Still, well-aware of the I-4 strategy for winning statewide elections in Florida, he said he will be back this way.

At his stop in Lakeland, Obama focused on economics. He said Florida is facing its first recession in 16 years, and it happened while a Republican administration was on the watch. He made the point while stopping at P.J.'s Dream Home Center, 2150 U.S. 92 East, a manufactured home sales company.

more: http://www.theledger.com/article/20080801/NEWS/808010363&title=In_Lakeland__Obama_Says_Florida_Facing_Recession