Local Republican volunteers got a visit from a couple of heavy hitters this afternoon.

State party Chairman Luke Esser, wearing boxing gloves and entering to the “Rocky” theme, joined U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings at a GOP campaign office in west Yakima for a pugilism-themed pep rally of sorts.

Nearly two dozen campaign volunteers — including 14th District state House candidate Norm Johnson and Yakima County Commission candidate Kevin Bouchey — took a break from working the phones to listen to the visiting dignitaries. It was part of the state Republican Party’s 10-stop “Fight to the Finish Tour,” designed to rally volunteers at locations throughout the state.

Though Yakima has been a Republican stronghold in recent history, Republicans are not overlooking it because the gubernatorial race between Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire and Republican challenger Dino Rossi is expected to be close.

“We need to maximize Republican votes in every part of the state — in areas that lean Republican as well as areas that don’t lean Republican,” Esser said.

Hastings, a Pasco Republican running for re-election against Yakima attorney George Fearing, said it was heartening to see so many volunteers working right up until the last minute.

“Our biggest problem was to synchronize (the presentation), so everyone would quit calling at the same time and listen,” he said.

-- Posted by Pat Muir