In the final stretch of the weeks leading up to the election, Centre County Democrats held a fall dinner on Sunday, giving candidates and guest speakers one last chance to rally party voters.
Highlighting the speakers was Katherine Archuleta, Obama for America National Politics Director, who was the first speaker to kick off the night.
"Here in State College, students are pushing forward and that can help the change to exceed," Archuleta said.
Archuleta stressed the importance of Obama campaign values of opportunity and hard work.
"We can rebuild dreams where responsibility is a reward and everyone has a fair shot," she said.
Archuleta also said that moving America forward with clean energy, natural gas and wind energy would continue under Obama's leadership.
Speaking on the opponents, Archuleta said the Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan campaign runs on "empty promises" and the true facts and details do matter.
"We can't defend indefensible plans of their campaign," Archuleta said.
After speaking on the politics of the Obama campaign, Archuleta said that this election is much bigger than politics.
"None of our history in the past three years would have happened without Barack Obama, and nothing is ever accomplished with less democracy," she said.
Archuleta said that people must be educated on rights and given the right information to vote, because winning is the most important job for this election.
"The race is close but the choice is clear," Archuleta said.
The next speaker was Kathleen Kane, Democratic candidate for Attorney General.
After listing her background work on significant cases that she prosecuted over, Kane said it is her experience that will bring her to the front line professionals.
"We need someone who is willing to go against special interest groups and politics," Kane said. "I will be a consumer advocate and not take cases lightly."
Kane stressed that she will work for all of Pennsylvania, for the counties and especially for women, victims of child sexual abuse and senior citizens.
Moving along in the night, Centre County Commissioner Michael Pipe introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Shepherd, a former chair to the Centre County Democratic Committee.
Pipe said he could not have grown as a public servant in Centre County without the help of Shepherd and being a part of "Shepherd's flock."
Shepherd himself said he was overwhelmed to even be considered for the award, and thanked all of those who helped the cause of the Democratic Party and his family.
"From the local, statewide and national levels of politics, we can all be more accepting of all walks of life," he said.
Pennsylvania state house representative Scott Conklin was the first of the representative speakers.
"I believe in people and I believe we can do better," Conklin said.
Conklin said that every person should be allowed to have the same rights and orders, and must believe in the neighborhoods and communities.
"We must reelect leadership, and that will happen with Barack Obama," he said. "We must bring back values and go beyond to achieve them."
Charles Dumas, a professor at Penn State and candidate for United States Congress, said that people can reelect the President, but must elect a supportive congress.
State senator John Wozniak said that the middle class and education should be a forefront in this election.
"Vote straight Democratic Party and you will not be disappointed," he said.
The final speaker of the night was Pennsylvania Treasurer, Rob McCord.
He thanked everyone in the room, fellow politicians and supporters, of their work over the years and past few months.
"Centre County is a hugely important part of the state," McCord said.
McCord said diversity can help contribute to growth of politics and leaders.
Holding people accountable for who they vote for will be key for the election, he said.
"Not only can people vote for the most popular candidates such as Obama or [Senator Bob] Casey, but they can also vote for the 'teammates,' for they are just as important as any name on the ballot."
