The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

September 5, 2012

Retiree gets free pass to Democrat convention

By Joe Pinchot Herald Staff Writer

MERCER COUNTY — “Can you hear that?” Judy Hines asks into the phone, struggling to  hear the caller over a cheering crowd and a fired-up speaker.

“I’m in the middle of women’s caucus,” she said.

Stepping outside at one of the Democratic National Convention events Tuesday, Hines sounded giddy – happy, but disbelieving at being able to attend what she called a “brush with history.”

“Who would ever think that my first year retired from teaching would result in this?” the Springfield Township woman said, acknowledging she has been brought near to tears at times. “It’s a complete honor.”

Hines, attending the convention with Nancy Griffin of Mercer, was given a free pass to the convention due to her volunteer work for the Obama campaign, and organizing two rallies to support education, unions, and the working class last year at the Mercer County Courthouse.

She said she got the call from Obama’s Chicago headquarters Aug. 29 and asked how the contact seemed to know so much about her activities. He mentioned a story in The Herald that ran Aug. 20 about her meeting Obama at a Pittsburgh rally.

“Here I am, this little person in Mercer County, and to say government doesn’t listen to you – it did,” Hines said.

Officially a podium officer of the convention – giving her free access to all events – and timekeeper – she will raise cards to alert speakers that their time is about to be up – Hines said there is no way she will make all the speaking engagements and meetings that are of interest to her. However, just having the opportunity to rub shoulders with Democratic movers and shakers is reward enough.

“It’s breathtaking,” she said.

So far, she has talked with former Gov. Edward G. Rendell and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, both of whom posed for photographs with her. She is staying in the same hotel as the California delegation, and spotted U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters the day she checked in. Hines said she struck up a conversation with Waters.

“She said, “Sit with me. I want to hear what’s going on in Pennsylvania with the voter ID,’” Hines said.

Waters invited her to attend California caucus meetings, Hines said.

Hines was excited about hearing First Lady Michelle Obama speak, and also wants to attend a meeting of the National Education Association, the teachers union.

“It’s as clear as water who is standing for public education,” said Hines, who taught physical education for 35è years at Lakeview schools. “With the Romney and Ryan plan, you’re going to have to walk the privileged road to get an education.”

Hines attributes all of her success in life, and that of her siblings, to public education.

“My parents were (Italian) immigrants,” she said. “My father signed (his name) with an X. He could not read or write but was concerned that we would be educated.”

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