Preparations continue as line forms for Obama rally

Stagehands Paul Dobberstein, left, and Toby Beck prepare a large "Missouri For Change" sign at Carnahan Quadrangle, where a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will begin at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. People standing behind the sign will be able to view Obama on a JumboTron.   ¦  MIKE PITTMAN/Missourian

COLUMBIA — Preparation for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's visit to Columbia continued throughout the day Thursday. 

By 4 p.m., a line of Obama supporters had already gathered along Conley Avenue north of MU's Mel Carnahan Quadrangle, stretching from Hulston Hall, which houses the MU law school, to Middlebush Hall at Ninth Street and University Avenue.

The rally will begin at 9:30 p.m., and state and local candidates for office will speak before Obama.