New Republican and Democratic Headquarters Open in Sewickley

Obama for America-Pennsylvania held an ice cream social Friday night to usher in the opening of its new Democratic headquarters on Broad Street in Sewickley.

A block away, on the corner of Beaver and Broad streets, the Sewickley Valley Republican Committee opened new campaign headquarters in the former pink & blue storefront. The Republican campaign office officially opened its doors on Monday.

The two openings are a sure sign that the Nov. 6 election is moving closer, with the first presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney scheduled for 9 p.m. tonight.

Both the Republican and Democratic campaign headquarters in Sewickley serve as hubs for the presidential race as well as local and state candidate races. 

At least 125 people attended the Obama office opening Friday night at 505 Broad St., according to Barry Pitek, chairman of the Quaker Valley Democratic Organization, a group comprised from the district's 11 communities. The opening coincided with Sewickley's Fall Gallery Walk. 

The Obama headquarters has yard signs, T-shirts, bumper stickers and other campaign materials available for the public. Likewise, the Republican headquarters at 449 Beaver St. has signs, children's books, and voting information, such as registrations and absentee ballots.

Alisa Lenhardt, Republican committee member, said yard signs are available for local and state races, but Mitt Romney signs are limited until new supplies come in. A shipment of bumper stickers and buttons are also expected in this week, she said. 

Romney supporters who don't want to wait can pick up free signs at the Romney Victory Office, 3500 Brooktree Road, in Wexford. One sign will be given per person.

To Volunteer: 

Republican committee volunteers can sign up for shifts at volunteersignup.org/FCQ7E or stop by the office at 449 Beaver St. Volunteers are also being sought to participate in a planned phone banking day from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8. Volunteers are also needed during evenings and weekends to help keep doors open. 

Democratic volunteers can call the Obama for America office at 412-759-2467 or stop by 505 Broad St. to sign up on the schedule on the wall. Shifts are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Slots from 5 to 7 p.m. are also open and volunteers are needed for phone banking and other roles.

Office hours:

Republican office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Democratic office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the election.