Both Republicans and Democrats crowded a ribbon-cutting Friday morning for the new Villages office of Congressman Daniel Webster.

A large number of Democrats arrived first, holding signs urging support for the Affordable Care Act and calling for questions about President Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. About 50 sign-carrying Democrats walked across the Morse Boulevard bridge to join their fellow protesters at Webster’s new office at the government annex at County Road 466 and Morse Boulevard.

Congressman Daniel Webster at Friday's ribbon-cutting in The Villages.
Congressman Daniel Webster at Friday’s ribbon-cutting in The Villages.

Then a large group of square-shouldered, red-wearing Republicans showed up, lingering near the door of the GOP Congressman’s new office.

Webster emerged at the appointed hour of 11 a.m. for the ribbon cutting greeted by loud cheers from the Republicans and competing jeers from the Democrats.

Throughout the Congressman’s remarks about the availability of constituent services, Democrats shouted complaints of not being able to hear Webster and other messages about Social Security and immigration.

The Congressman then took a stroll into the crowd which include both admiring Republicans and Democrats shouting questions and armed with signs.

https://youtu.be/X93KyuHvVLo

Throughout his stroll, Webster was accompanied by two Sumter County sheriff’s deputies.

“People care,” said Democrat Cindy Grossman.

Congressman Daniel Webster walks through the crowd at Friday's event in The Villages.
Congressman Daniel Webster walks through the crowd at Friday’s event in The Villages.
Protesters marched over the Morse Boulevard Bridge to Congressman Daniel Webster's new office in The Villages.
Protesters marched over the Morse Boulevard Bridge to Congressman Daniel Webster’s new office in The Villages.
A deputy accompanied Congressman Daniel Webster as he walked through the crowd.
Deputies accompanied Congressman Daniel Webster as he walked through the crowd.
Republicans were ready to welcome Congressman Daniel Webster.
Republicans were ready to welcome Congressman Daniel Webster.
There were plenty of signs at the event at Congressman Daniel Webster's office.
There were plenty of signs at the event at Congressman Daniel Webster’s office.
A woman had a simple message at Friday's event.
A woman had a simple message at Friday’s event.
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