Sarah Palin is asking Florida for a job.
The Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor stopped in Ocala on Saturday to rally support for presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, who she said brings a "positive and refreshing view for America."
"If you're ready for us to help you, Florida, will you hire us?" Palin asked the estimated 7,000 people at the rally.
With Election Day coming up, Palin told the crowd the time for choosing is now.
The enthusiastic crowd waved handmade, neon-colored posters with phrases such as "Sarah is my sunshine" and "I'm Dan the truck driver." Some wore pink McCain-Palin T-shirts and buttons.
Earlier, when Palin's motorcade appeared in the distance, the crowd's shouting became an overwhelming roar. Queen's "We Will Rock You" blared over speakers as Palin stepped off of the bus.
Palin's 20-minute speech was frequently interrupted with chants of "Sarah! Sarah!" "Drill, baby, drill!" and "Use your brain, vote McCain."
Politicians who spoke before her, including U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns and Florida Rep. Larry Cretul, urged voters to support McCain.
When U.S. Rep. Ric Keller called Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama an elitist, he drew boos of agreement from the crowd.
"Obama would rather attack Joe the Plumber than offer him a shrimp cocktail," Keller said while describing a recent star-studded fundraiser the Obama campaign held.
Palin's speech focused on the plight of the middle class, the energy crisis and the importance of small businesses in America. Palin said the country is facing tough economic times and needs a tough leader to take it in a new direction.
"My partner and I will balance the federal budget by the end of our first term," she promised the crowd.
She criticized Obama for his proposed tax policies and said he is in favor of big government.
"His tax plan is phony and unraveling already in the final days before the election," she said. "Do the math or go with your gut. It's the worst time to increase taxes."
She warned the audience, "Now is not the time to experiment with socialism."
Instead of Obama's "spread the wealth" policy, Palin said a McCain administration wants to "spread the opportunity," which is what would stimulate the economy, she said.
After the rally, supporters said they were energized and encouraged by Palin's speech.
"I agreed with everything she said," Lee Mahoney, 65, said. "I thought she was very warm and appreciative of the crowd."
Mahoney, who is from Ocala, said Palin's experience is what draws her to the governor.
Other attendees, Michaela Lozier, 13, and Bridget Enstrom, 16, are too young to vote but felt it was just as important to support their candidates.
"It's important for kids our age to voice our opinion," Lozier said. Both girls, who are home-schooled, said other kids support candidates based on just what they hear.
"Don't just listen to your parents," Lozier said.
Added Enstrom: "Do your research, and go to events like this."
