LOS ANGELES

Local delegate perceives Clinton flair, not fatigue

LOS ANGELES -- Farrell resident Mark Longietti, a delegate to the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, does not believe in "Clinton fatigue."

Longietti said President Clinton’s 40-minute address Monday night energized an already-boisterous crowd at the Staples Center, site of the convention.

"It was a very enthusiastic crowd that understood where we came from, and how things were eight years ago," Longietti said via cell phone minutes after the speech ended.

Many pundits predicted that Americans -- and even Democrats -- had grown tired of Clinton, and that his appearance at the convention would do more harm to the Democratic ticket than good.

But, Longietti said, "With such a successful administration, I think you put him out front and center."

Longietti, a lawyer and local political operative, said Clinton’s address "was a non-partisan speech" that "explained both sides of the issues and gave voters a clear choice."

Longietti popped up on the ABC telecast four times. "A friend called me (after the speech ended). He said I wasn’t a very good dancer," Longietti joked.

Also on Monday, U.S. Rep. Ron Klink, Murraysville, D-4th District, spoke to the Pennsylvania delegation about his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Longietti -- on a leave of absence from the Sharon law firm of Routman, Moore, Goldstone and Valentino -- is working for Klink’s campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.

Klink, a former television anchorman, told the delegation about his rural upbringing in Somerset County and his one-room schoolhouse education, Longietti said.

Klink also talked about his career start in radio. "He explained how he had no money or health insurance when he was involved in a bad car accident. He shared his personal experience to explain why believes there should be an increased accessibility to health care," Longietti said.