MANCHESTER--The three Democratic candidates vying for the state senate in Manchester all used a familiar Barack Obama chant to close their speeches before 1,000 supporters.

Incumbent state Sens. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) and Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) joined Bob Backus (D-Manchester) in addressing a crowd assembled to hear President Bill Clinton speak at a "Unite for Change" rally.

All three ended their stump speeches by getting the crowd to chant "yes we can."
Backus also revisited his loss to state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester) in 2006 when he lost by 314 votes.

"It will mean nothing if we don't make that extra push and get people out to the polls," Backus said.

DeVries used her speech as an opportunity to explain that she has represented the interests of Manchester during her two years in the state senate.

"I vow to continue to keep working for the best interests of the city," DeVries said.
She also said that she has worked to keep down taxes.

"By fighting for a balanaced budget, by making sure the burden doesn't fall to taxpayers, I am fighting for Manchester," DeVries said.

D'Allesandro, welcomed to the stage with chants of "Lou," told the crowd that it would make the difference on Tuesday.

"You're here today because you've made a commitment; you've made a commitment to make this country better for every American," D'Allesandro said.

D'Allesandro closed with, "Without you nothing is possible, but with you everything is possible."

Kathy Sullivan, former New Hampshire Democratic chairwoman, began the program, and said that she has "some unfinished business left from 2002."

She also said, "We can celebrate November 4th as our Independence Day."