Racine, W.Va. (WSAZ)-- For 70 years, the United Mine Workers of America's Labor Day rally in Boone County has given folks a chance to celebrate those who work hard in West Virginia.

With an election on the horizon, the focus turns to who will lead our state and our nation.

Politicians on the state, county, and local levels got a chance to take the stage Monday.

Senator Jay Rockefeller told the crowd "we need to learn how to really look down on John McCain and to know how bad he would be for West Virginia." Rockefeller said he had to say that because he truly loves the state and is proud to be a West Virginian.

In the crowd, many were sharing their political views as well. Carole Biles of Charleston made her first trip to the rally this year. She says she wanted to show her support for Senator Barack Obama. "West Virgina need to wake up before it's too late," Biles said. "I think he'll really get us out of this mess."

Ashley Brewer says she plans to vote for Obama in hopes he'll make some major changes to the country's health care system.

"I'm voting basically hoping my mom and dad will have health care," Brewer said.

Her parents own a clothing business, but can't afford the high cost of insurance. She has coverage through the company she works for, but feels bad that her parents have to struggle to pay medical costs.

Union workers have a close tie with the Democratic party and for many of the people at Monday's rally, they hope to make that clear in November.