Abby Fowler, of Ironton, was among a few dozen people who waited on the sidewalk Saturday outside the Lawrence County Democratic Headquarters.

Never mind the bit of a chill in the air, Fowler was happy to be there.

“I want to meet Mr. Wilson,” she explained, referring to U.S. Sixth District Congressman Charlie Wilson, who was the highlight of a Democratic “get out and vote” rally. “That’s not the only reason. I am a very enthusiastic Democrat and I want to be wherever they are — wherever we are.”

Wilson told Fowler and the others gathered that, “This is the most important election we’re ever going to have. We’re at a cross roads where America can only get better and the only way we can do that is with change.”

Wilson said he has been frustrated with the lack of positive changes made in Washington, D.C., in the last few years. In particular, changes to help working families.

Asked by one person what he thought would be the first changes made during the early months of a Barack Obama presidency, Wilson said the economy was no doubt at the top of the list.

“We’re going to do everything we can to get people back to work,” he said. Wilson said he voted for the recent bank bailout bill because, “The option of doing nothing was not an option.” He said he was confident the situation would be straightened out with an administration change in January. Health care and education are also, he thought, likely to be on that list.

He touted Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, someone he said would fix what ills the country.

“Our guy is so strong. He’s a stark contrast from what he have now,” Wilson said.

Asked if he thought divisions within the Democratic party could be bridged, he said the division among Democrats was nothing compared to the ones in the Republican party. He also repeated prediction that there may be more Democrats in Washington once voters get done at the polls.

“The rumor is we could pick up 18-20 more seats in the house and 6-8 in the senate,” Wilson said.

Asked if he thought voter fraud would be a problem in Ohio’s general election, Wilson said he had confidence in Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.

“I think she will hold people’s feet to the fire and make they do what is right,” he said.

Wilson, who seeking a second term in congress, made stops Saturday in Ironton and Portsmouth.