Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's campaign will consume the 400 and 500 blocks of West Washington Avenue today starting at 10:00 a.m. The rally will be highlighted by a speech from Kerry and music from Bruce Springsteen and the Foo Fighters.
The city is expecting anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 people to pack the two-block radius and city officials are imposing strict regulations on some of the residents that live on West Washington Avenue.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said people need tickets to the rally to walk inside the fences constructed on West Washington Avenue and will also have to submit to secret service metal detectors. People without tickets can enjoy the rally as well, but will need to remain outside of the fences. Residents may walk in front of their homes and may also watch the rally from their balconies.
\We are asking for patience from the residents,"" said Madison police Sgt. Chris Paulson.
Paulson added some areas will be open to local traffic, but it would be best to avoid driving in or out of the area altogether.
Verveer added there should be no problems for residents entering their houses, though they will most likely need to enter through the back door.
""I won't be able to drive home from work and I can't even use my damn front door,"" said UW-Madison junior Kevin Blanton. ""But if I was really pissed off about the massive amounts of people, I wouldn't live in Madison.""
Some residents that live on West Washington Avenue do not seem to care about the hassles, and are just excited to hear a speech and listen to some music.
""No worries,"" said UW-Madison junior Dan Gundry. ""I'm pumped to see Kerry and the Boss.""
Even some Bush supporters were excited, Verveer said, adding he expects few students will attend class.
Gundry said he would not be attending any late morning or afternoon classes and Blanton predicted that he may be too sick to attend work this morning.
There will be many Madison police officers on patrol in the area, and safety will be their top priority, but everything should run smoothly if everyone chooses to cooperate and follow the guidelines, Verveer said.
""There isn't going to be any house sweeps or anything,"" he added. ""So you don't have to go and hide your bongs and beer.""
