EBENSBURG, Pa. -- People packed Holy Name Catholic Church in Ebensburg Saturday to hear from several Democratic state leaders and candidates.

Gov. Ed Rendell, former Sen. Harris Wofford and Congressman John Murtha were among the speakers.

Rendell made several stops around the state Saturday to campaign for Sen. Barack Obama.

"I don't believe the polls," Rendell said. "This is going to be a close race."

Recent 12th Congressional District polls have shown some tightning in the race between Democrat John Murtha and Republican Bill Russell.

Rendell defended Murtha's recent comments that many people in the district still have racist feelings.

"I think John misspoke," he said. "People in this area aren't racists or rednecks."

Congressman Murtha indicated he is looking toward a change in strategy as Election Day approaches.

"Bill Russell is from Virginia," he said. "His wife lives in Virginia and he's been running against me for the last three years."