McCain addresses voters in Bucks County

PIPERSVILLE -- The presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) rolled into this quiet, rural village in the Philadelphia suburbs today, as McCain addressed voters in packed company warehouse a month after cancelling the event because of a head cold.

McCain arrived at Worth & Company Inc., in Bucks County after rolling through the state from Harrisburg. As more than 1,000 people looked on in the crowded warehouse on a hot day, he gave only brief remarks before taking questions. But he did take time to give a nod of approval to both Worth & Company, calling it a "great American story," as well as the state's residents serving in the military.

"No one has served more heroically than the Pennsylvania Guard and reserve, and I know you're very proud," he said.

While he spoke of the "energy crisis" facing the country, he did not address the increasingly heated debate over whether to increase off-shore domestic drilling for oil. Though he had long-opposed drilling off the coast for more oil, he recently shifted position as the price of gas soared past $4 per gallon.

"My friends, I'd like to tell you that the price of oil is going to go down. But I can't tell you that," he said, adding that the country would have to innovate its way out of the crisis.

Also notable for its omission was any mention of the labor dispute in which Worth & Company, a contractor that installs, cooling and plumbing systems, was recently embroiled. The state has accused the company of cheating employees out of $142,000 in wages for government projects. The company has denied any wrongdoing, and Republican lawmakers have reportedly backed Worth.

Leigh Fillman, a local interior designer and undecided voter, said before McCain arrived that she wanted to ask him about the off-shore drilling debate that went unmentioned.

"I would like to know what he's going to do as president to cut the red tape and start drilling here now," Fillman said, spurring people around her to not in agreement.

"Everything I use, everything I buy, is petroleum based," she added. "I don't think other countries should control our economy. I'm tired on blanket statements [on the economy]. I want something clear."

Fillman, her two children at her side, never got to ask her question.