U.S. Rep. Abercrombie to "Salute to Labor" crowd: Obama is what this country needs. [View All]

"I want (Mr. Obama) to be the next president of the United States because he's what this country needs!" Rep. Abercrombie said.

Rep. Abercrombie said he knew Mr. Obama's parents because he went to school with his father at the University of Hawaii. Mr. Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He pointed out Mr. Obama's appeal to young voters. "He's going to bring people in this election who have never voted before," Rep. Abercrombie said, adding that Mr. Obama will change this country the way it needs to be changed.

Rep. Abercrombie called on union workers to support Sen. Obama.

"When labor votes, labor wins!" Rep. Abercrombie said.

Rock Island County Democratic Central Committee chairman John Gianulis said "between 1,000 to 2,000 people" came to the picnic.

The Illinois Democratic Party and the Illinois Democratic County Chairman's Association endorsed Mr. Obama, Mr. Gianulis said.

Although Mr. Obama seemed to be the favorite at the picnic, campaign staffers for Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson were on hand, as were local candidates asking for support.