NOBLESVILLE - Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin spoke Friday in Noblesville about why Republican presidential candidate John McCain will make the most effective next president if he is elected.
McCain faces Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama in the Nov. 4 election.
Approximately 25,000 Hoosiers packed the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville for Palin's "Road To Victory" rally.
Friday was Palin's first time to speak in Indiana. McCain previously spoke in Indiana in July.
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman introduced Palin following a performance by country music singer Aaron Tippin.
"Hoosiers know what they want in their leaders, and that is leaders who will fight for them, have clear convictions and put their country first," Skillman said. "We couldn't ask for a tougher team of mavericks than John McCain and Sarah Palin."Palin spoke for a half hour about the upcoming election.
Palin asked the crowd if they were ready to shake things up in Washington. Those in the crowd yelled "yes," shook red-and-white pom-pons, and held up signs that read phrases such as "Read My Lipstick" and "We Love Mac."
"It's time for a leader in Washington who will work for people like 'Joe the Plumber,'" Palin said. The comment received cheers from the audience.
Palin said she and McCain will fight for Hoosiers.
"The election is coming down to the wire and is very close, but Indiana is the home of the Indianapolis 500 and we will fight to the finish line just like the race," Palin said.
She said Obama looks at the past, but said she and McCain look to the future.
"America knows John McCain is the maverick. He is a patriot and always puts his country first," she said.
Palin praised Hoosiers for supporting the troops, and said she also supports those who are serving.
Palin discussed new job creation in the United States.
"John has a track record of proving we can reform jobs, and we need to talk the talk and walk the walk," Palin said.
She said that as Alaska's governor, she eliminated her state's fuel tax and supports using alternative energy such as solar energy and clean coal technology.
She said one of her goals if she is elected vice president is to increase funding for special needs children.
"I want to make sure families know they will have a friend in the White House. Children with special needs require special love and they're not a problem, but a priority," Palin said.
