CEDARBURG - The first stop for the Straight Talk Express: downtown Cedarburg.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin spoke to about 1,000 people Friday morning. They pledged to fight the special interests, and work for the people.

“All you ever asked for in government is to stand by your side, not in your way, and that's what I intend to do: stand on your side and fight for your future,” Sen. McCain said.

The whole point of having the campaign event in Cedarburg is to have the small town downtown as a back drop. Fresh off the national convention and the addition of running mate Palin, people roared as these candidates took the stage.

Palin brings energy to McCain’s bid for the White House, and people were excited to see her at this first campaign event after the Republican National Convention.

“John McCain doesn't run with the Washington heard, and that is only one more reason to take the maverick of the senate and put him in the White House,” Gov. Palin said.

McCain took the stage and praised the Alaska governor.

“I want to tell you how honored I am to have Sarah Palin as my running mate,” Sen. McCain said.

He also talked about the issues, like more domestic drilling for oil.

“Who is hurting the most when they go to the gas station today? The lowest income Americans who drive the oldest cars. It's unfair and it's got to stop, and it will stop and we'll achieve energy independence,” Sen. McCain said.

There was a lot of energy and excitement in Cedarburg, which is why Laura Toebes and her kids got there so early.

“We got here at 6:30 this morning. We were first in line at one of the gates. An absolutely amazing experience for our whole family,” Toebes said.

It paid off. After the speech, the whole family got to shake hands with Senator McCain, his wife Cindy, and Governor Palin.

“I thought it was great, and this is an opportunity I will never forget,” Grace Toebes said.

The speeches were short Friday, but the whole downtown was full.

When TODAY’S TMJ4 first arrived Friday morning, the line was several blocks long just to get inside and see the event.