Both Republicans and Democrats crowded a ribbon-cutting Friday morning for the new Villages office of Congressman Daniel Webster.
A large number of Democrats arrived first, holding signs urging support for the Affordable Care Act and calling for questions about President Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. About 50 sign-carrying Democrats walked across the Morse Boulevard bridge to join their fellow protesters at Webster’s new office at the government annex at County Road 466 and Morse Boulevard.
Then a large group of square-shouldered, red-wearing Republicans showed up, lingering near the door of the GOP Congressman’s new office.
Webster emerged at the appointed hour of 11 a.m. for the ribbon cutting greeted by loud cheers from the Republicans and competing jeers from the Democrats.
Throughout the Congressman’s remarks about the availability of constituent services, Democrats shouted complaints of not being able to hear Webster and other messages about Social Security and immigration.
The Congressman then took a stroll into the crowd which include both admiring Republicans and Democrats shouting questions and armed with signs.
Throughout his stroll, Webster was accompanied by two Sumter County sheriff’s deputies.
“People care,” said Democrat Cindy Grossman.
