Welcome visitors

Cape Girardeau has a long history of welcoming White House hopefuls -- and a few occupants -- as visitors to our city -- most of the time with much fanfare.

And residents did so again last week when John Edwards, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, stopped by on Thursday.

Edwards visit with the public was short one, but he, his family and campaign staff spent the night here.

About 600 people -- some estimates were higher and others were lower -- gathered in the early morning hours Thursday to get a glimpse of the North Carolina senator known for his boyish good looks and charm. Edwards was on his way to St. Louis to meet up with John Kerry, the Democratic presidential hopeful.

The campaign trail keeps candidates rushing from event to event, and the details of Edwards' visit to Southeast Missouri changed constantly in the days before his visit. Regardless of how the event was planned or how the event came off, a stop in Cape Girardeau has historically been important during election season. Maybe it's Missouri's role as a swing state in presidential elections or simply our city's ideal location as a midway point between Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis that makes Cape Girardeau such a draw for candidates on the campaign trail.

Whatever the reason, area residents have always responded when the call is made to welcome a national candidate -- Republican or Democrat.

We'd like to think our hospitality and friendliness keeps the candidates coming back. Whatever the reason, the area benefits from an opportunity to see the candidates up close and hear them talk about issues that are important in election season.