What impact did candidates’ visits have?

WILMINGTON — It has been an exciting and politically charged past couple of days. Both Democratic presidential candidates came to Wilmington within 24 hours of each other.

But what impact did Senator Clinton and Obama’s visit have on our area?

Overall most people say the candidates’ visits were beneficial for Wilmington. And for both campaigns the turnout was greater than expected — with standing room only available.

The Clinton campaign says that they expected around 1,500 people to come to the rally at the riverfront, but more than 5,000 showed up.

That meant there was a wait at the security check point, but those in charge of security say, even with the additional crowd, security was not compromised and there were no problems.

Federal property manager Chad Hartwell said, “I think it all went very smooth the way they had the spectators on one side of Sen. Clinton and the security forces and building on the Princess Street side.”

At UNC Wilmington Monday it was standing room only as more than 6,000 people packed into the Trask Coliseum to see Sen. Obama.

UNCW officials say the event was a success and went off with out a hitch.