CENTRE — It seemed appropriate that the facility Rep. Richard Lindsey was so instrumental in bringing to Cherokee County was the site of the official kickoff of his 2010 campaign for reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.

A local Democratic official said early estimates were than a little over 1,200 spent time at the event on Thursday night.

Dozens of tables lined the floor of the Cherokee Arena on the campus of Gadsden State-Cherokee. They were filled Democrats most, if not all, who came to shake hands and share a meal with the man many in this area feel they have to thank for the good things the state of Alabama has done for Cherokee County since the voters of District 39 first sent Lindsey to Montgomery in 1983.

Most recently, Lindsey, who chairs the powerful House Education Budget Committee, helped steer a satellite campus of Gadsden State Community College to Centre. The $22 million facility opened in 2008 and currently has over 370 students enrolled.

Soccer moms met Lindsey with calls of "we love you, Richard!" as he stood at the door to greet a steady line of supporters who began filing in 20 minutes before the doors officially opened.

Throughout the evening, Lindsey shook hands and directed guests to the buffet line as they entered.

"We had a great crowd," Lindsey told The Post Friday morning. "It was really outstanding that we got such a great response."

Lindsey said Montgomery-based political consultant Dave Mawory, who is assisting with the campaign, was extremely impressed with the turnout.

"He said he has worked with governors, lieutenant governors, senators and representatives, and he has never seen a crowd like that at a kickoff event," Lindsey said. "We've had lots of help and support from the community, and we're grateful for it."

Former educator Billy Godfrey, who once coached against Lindsey when Lindsey played pee-wee basketball at the old Alexis school, and local attorney Dean Buttram, Jr. were among the guests who grabbed a microphone to voice support for Lindsey in between local musical acts.

"Dean really gave a great speech highlighting several things we've been able to do for the district since I've been in office," Lindsey said.

Buttram pointed out the Gadsden State-Cherokee campus and the ongoing four-laning of Highway 411 among Lindsey's accomplishments.

Lindsey said his next public event will be at the Fall Festival in Centre on Oct. 2.