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President Barack Obama to Visit Buffalo Area

BUFFALO, NY - White House sources have confirmed President Barack Obama will visit Buffalo next Thursday. Several sources have told us that the visit is part of his Main Street Tour.

Details are still being worked out, but sources tell us the economy will be his main focus. Congressman Brian Higgins told 2 On Your Side that the President will meet with workers, small business owners, and local leaders to share ideas for continuing to grow the economy and to put Americans back to work.

While details of the trip of being kept under tight wraps for security reasons, sources tell 2 On Your Side the Presidential visit will likely be in the city of Buffalo, not the suburbs. According to Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who is coordinating possible locations with the White House, the President is looking for a large venue inside the city for the town hall event. He also may visit a restaurant or diner as well as a successful small business within the city.

"We think this is a tremendous opportunity for Buffalo and Western New York," Mayor Brown said.

Brown, who had been urging President Obama to visit Buffalo for two years, said the White House asked him not to disclose any specific information about the presidential visit.

"I have provided a pretty good list of locations that make sense," Mayor Brown said. "And the beautiful thing, the fortunate thing is that we have a wealth of locations the President can visit on his main street tour."

One of New York's Democratic Senators also said she urged the president to visit Western New York.

"This shows his strong commitment to the region,'' Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said in the statement. "It is something I advocated for because I believe Western New York can play a leading role in America's economic recovery.

When President Obama comes next week, he will meet families, workers, businesses and entire communities that stand ready to help lead America's economic recovery. From a world-class manufacturing tradition to cutting-edge businesses and universities, to people who know the true meaning of hard work, Western New York can help lead America's economic recovery." 
Gillibrand was appointed to the Senate last year and faces her first statewide election in November.

She's been told by the White House that Obama will campaign with her around the state.

Last year, Gillibrand accompanied Obama on Marine One for his speech at the annual NAACP dinner in Manhattan.

Higgins said "this is an exciting opportunity for the President to get a first hand look at the unique strengths of Western New York and hear directly from the hardworking people of this community".

Lawmakers are also trying to get the president to meet with family members of victims of Flight 3407 to discuss airline safety.

"Having the chance for families to meet with him and push the issue of flight safety is a great opportunity for us and hopefully we'll get that done," said Congressman Chris Lee (R-26th District).
"The [president's] schedule is very fluid but the request is in there," said Congressman Brian Higgins (D-27th District).