University ready as President rallies supporters today

President Trump does not seem to have a problem in drawing huge crowds. His rallies for Republican candidates across the nation have all been standing room only and often draw tens of thousands of people to each event.

That’s expected to be the case today in Springfield at Missouri State University.

School personnel say the magnitude of the President’s visit to the school today will affect operations on the Springfield campus.

The President will appear at the school’s 11,000 seat JQH Arena, which normally houses the MSU basketball team.

Missouri State expects parking and traffic to be similar to other events hosted by the university, but JQH Arena’s Executive Director Keith Boaz says security will be outsourced to the U.S. government for President Trump’s visit.

“Security is the responsibility of the secret service from every aspect of it both inside and outside the venue,” Boaz says.

The President is expected to stump for Republican U.S. Senate nominee Josh Hawley, who is thought to have a good opportunity at unseating Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill.  Recent polls show the candidates tied or Hawley leading.

The race has been complicated in the past week after President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, was accused of sexual assault while in high school 36 years ago.

McCaskill issued a statement Wednesday night saying she would vote “no” on Kavanaugh because of his embrace of unlimited campaign donations including dark money, not because of the assault charges against him. Hawley has been a staunch supporter of Kavanaugh.  He said McCaskill has “sided with (Senate Democratic Minority Leader) Chuck Schumer every single time – for liberals and against Missouri.”

President Trump could also attempt to rally support for Kavanaugh during his Springfield appearance. After news coverage that is almost 100 percent negative against the nominee, polls show support for Kavanaugh may be slipping.

His Friday appearance at the JQH Arena in Springfield starts at 6:30 p.m.  Doors open at 2:10 p.m. for the rally.