HUNTINGTON -- Marshall students heard promises of "hope" and "change" on "Main Street" touted at a political event in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama Monday night.

U.S. Congressman Nick J. Rahall echoed the rhetoric of the Democratic presidential hopeful in an address to the Marshall Students for Barack Obama at the Memorial Student Center.

Daniel B. Hager II, chapter coordinator of the group, said he wants students to be informed about the candidates at the top and bottom of the ballot. Hager said the Students for Obama would try to have an elected official as a guest speaker each Monday until the election.

On Monday night, Rahall, a West Virginia Democrat, told the audience of his support for Obama.

"This election is about change," Rahall said. "Obama is bringing in voters that have never voted before and even voters that had not voted in a long time."

Rahall said West Virginia voters not supporting Obama at the polls may be misinformed.

"The main reason is a lack of knowledge for who he is, where he stands and what he potentially holds for our future," Rahall said.

Stephen Perry, a Marshall student, came to see the event after campaigning for Obama individually.

"He really seemed to have his mind working for West Virginia. His initiatives seem very in line with Obama's on clean energy and what affects us," Perry said.

Hager said casting an educated vote is a freedom students should take advantage of by Nov. 4.

"Turn off your TV. Shut off that XBox. Go out there and vote; it really does make a big difference."

Marshall Students for Barack Obama meet every Monday at 9:15 p.m. in the Don Morris room of the Marshall Student Center on 5th Avenue.