AUGUSTA -- A crowd of about 100 gathered on the State House steps this morning to urge voters to make children’s issues a priority in this election cycle.

The event was part of the national “Step Up for Kids” day. Gov. John Baldacci has issued a proclamation recognizing the day.

Issues at hand are access to pre-kindergarten education, preventing abuse and neglect, and addressing poverty.

Photos and video of the event are below.

[img_assist|nid=2660|title=Step Up for Kids rally|desc=Attorney General Steve Rowe speaks. Politicker photo.|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=335]

[img_assist|nid=2663|title=Step Up for Kids rally|desc=A crowd, including Rep. Cynthia Dill (D-Cape Elizabeth), sits behind the speakers. Politicker photo.|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=301]

[img_assist|nid=2659|title=Step Up for Kids rally|desc=State Reps. Linda Valentino (D-Saco) and Robert Eaton (D-Sullivan). Politicker photo.|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=300]

[img_assist|nid=2662|title=Step Up for Kids rally|desc=A crowd, including legislative candidate Steve Butterfield and Rep. John Brautigam (D-Falmouth), sits behind the speakers. Politicker photo.|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=296]

[img_assist|nid=2664|title=Step Up for Kids rally|desc=A crowd sits behind the speakers. Politicker photo.|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=300]