Rock Hill Police, Democrats Prep for Democratic Debate
ROCK HILL, SC — Crowds started pouring into Rock Hill Thursday night to see Democratic Presidential candidates face off Friday for the first debate in the Southern states.
“A lot of people come from out of state,” said Sara Kyle. “I’m from Tennessee, and we love the Carolinas.”
She’s one of 3,500 who will be in Byrnes Auditorium Friday night.
First, they’re filling lots of restaurants and hotels around Rock Hill as senators hold endorsement parties.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for York County, city of Rock Hill,” said Sen. Creighton Coleman.
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison expects money to reach well into Charlotte.
“Because a lot of those folks are flying into Charlotte airport,” said Harrison. “Some people will probably even stay in some of the hotels in Charlotte.”
Rock Hill Police are adding dozens of officers to the university campus, intertwining tactics with secret service.
“A number will be in uniform manning traffic check points, stopping traffic and be invisible on campus,” said Capt. Bollinger. “We’re also going to have plain clothes officers just milling around the campus.”
Highway Patrol troopers will escort candidates to the campus. Traffic will be backed up Friday afternoon.
Police ask drivers to avoid the streets surrounding the campus.
