Obama to visit Jeffersonville after IUS stop to shoot commercial

By MELISSA MOODY
Melissa.Moody@newsandtribune.com

JEFFERSONVILLE Sun, May 18 2008

— Presidential hopeful Barack Obama will visit Jeffersonville this afternoon to film a commercial for his campaign in the Democratic Party primary elections. Obama is expected to arrive after stopping in New Albany at Indiana University Southeast to speak to residents there.
Two blocks on Spring Street are barricaded and Secret Service and Jeffersonville police are ensuring that the area stays clear of traffic and people. Business owners were told to stay in their buildings when Obama arrives, and to keep back from windows.
Tracy Jones, a co-owner of Petunias Boutique on Spring Street, said she is a staunch Republican, but the slowing economy has made her rethink her position in the upcoming election.
“I like the premise Barack Obama is standing on — supporting the working middle class,” she said. “We need a change, today my eyes were opened. This is a sign today.”
Some business owners on Spring Street are less happy about the visit, mainly because no parking on the street means no customers.
“We’re losing a whole day,” said Cheryl Skinner, of Choices. “But maybe the crowds will draw business.”
The Jeffersonville Police Department was notified of the visit at about 6:30 Tuesday night and Spring Street merchants were told at about 10 a.m. this morning, said Larry Thomas, communications director for the city of Jeffersonville.
He said the two blocks should remain closed until about 4:30 today.