Salem, VA - Republican officials say 16,000 people showed up to see vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin Monday night in Salem. It was the first trip someone from the Republican presidential ticket has made to our area this election year.

Palin connected with the crowd when the campaign needs it the most. Thousands braved the cold blustery weather for the star of the show. Joined by her husband Todd, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin wasted little time going after Barack Obama (web|news|bio) .

Sarah Palin, (R) Vice Presidential Candidate - "It is not negative campaigning. It is in fairness to you, to the voters, so we're going to call him out."

One of the main targets of Palin's speech -- Obama's economic plan and the possible impact on small businesses.

Palin - "John and I know that it is our small businesses, it's the backbone of our economy.  It's the backbone of this state our small business owners and their employees."

Palin's speech came during a crucial stretch where the Republican ticket trails Obama in Virginia by 7 to 9 points in recent polling. Republicans remain convinced, however, Virginia will remain a red state.

Mike Denbow, Virginia Beach Republican - "The polls, who knows? Until it finally comes down to voting day, November 4th, it's wide open."

And while some of her speech was critical, Palin also gave some parents here a reason for hope. Lori Ghiringhelli has an autistic child. Palin, who has a special needs child herself, pledges support for parents like her.

Lori Ghiringhelli, Franklin County Republican - "They finally have an advocate in Washington, where we as parents with autism and all special needs have not had that before."

It's that support Palin hopes will energize the party a week before Election Day.

Palin - "So Virginia will you hire us, will you send us to Washington to help shake things up?"

Palin's stop in the Roanoke Valley was her third Monday in Virginia. Republicans were definitely excited to see her but some wish she had made the trip sooner.