Sophia McCrimmon has backed Sen. Barack Obama since she was little.

In addition to domestic issues, his plans for Iraq and Afghanistan align with hers -- all things she talks about when she knocks on doors in Hanover County.

Her favorites are undecided voters. Generally, they are more receptive to someone asking what issues concern them when it's coming from a 9-year-old.

"I think he's going to help change the world and I think he's going to make America a better place, and I think he's going to change the war in Iraq," she said of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Sophia discussed her politics over watermelon and a blueberry bagel yesterday morning at a kickoff event for Virginia Women for Obama, Families for Change. The gathering was held in Richmond's Byrd Park; others took place throughout the day in the cities of Charlottesville, Alexandria, Hampton and Fairfax.

The campaign hopes the network will assist in mobilizing support around the state.

. . .

Virginia first lady Anne Holton headlined the Richmond gathering, highlighting Obama's stances on several issues of import to women and families, including earned-income tax credits, pay equity and paid sick leave.

"In all of these issues, there's a stark contrast between Senator Obama and his opponent," she said, referring to Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Holton's husband, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, is being mentioned as a possible running mate for Obama. Holton politely skirted a question about the buzz yesterday.

As a mother of three and a former judge, Holton leveled with the crowd of about 100 -- a majority of which was female -- about the juggling act required to do it all.

"I've never worked in a job where I didn't have a paid sick leave, but that's a privilege," she said.

Across the country, many working in retail and service industries do not get paid sick days.

"That's criminal that folks have to choose between going to work sick so as to make the money to pay the rent versus being able to take care of themselves," she said.

Obama would require employers to provide seven paid sick days per year. McCain has said it should "be subject to negotiations between management and labor," according to The Associated Press.

. . .

In introducing Holton yesterday, Del. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond, said every issue is a women's issue. She remarked that the Obama campaign has generated more excitement than she has seen before and that it's not just about celebrity.

She was referring to a television ad the McCain camp released that shows images of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Obama and asks, "He's the biggest celebrity in the world, but is he ready to lead?"

McClellan said of Obama, "I've seen him interact with people. He really connects with people in a way that Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, quite frankly, don't."

Obama has drawn many young voters into the political process, such as Sarah Brooks.

"He has so much optimism, he's young and it's cool because I'm a young person, too," said the 21-year-old who hopes to join the Peace Corps soon. "It's neat to be able to relate to someone on that level."
Contact Olympia Meola at (804) 649-6812 or omeola@timesdispatch.com.