FAIRBORN — Even if they didn't know much about her going in, the capacity crowd at Wright State University's Ervin J. Nutter Center roared its approval of John McCain's surprise selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Shane Robinson, 33, of Union said he believes Palin, a contestant for Miss Alaska in 1984, will bring "star power" to McCain's presidential campaign.

"I think she'll steal a lot of votes," he said.

Like Palin, Jenni Jackson of Mason is a mother of five. She called "brilliant" the Republican Arizona senator's decision to woo a conservative female to run with him.

"I'm thrilled," Jackson said. "I almost wept. She's going to be a hero for all our girls."

William Drake, 31, of Fairborn was surprised by McCain's choice, but not displeased.

"I'm for change," he said. "I'm excited about it. I think she will bring in votes McCain wouldn't have gotten."

McCain had kept his pick secret almost until his scheduled noon arrival. It wasn't the football stadium in Denver, where 80,000 plus on Thursday cheered Barack Obama's Democratic nomination acceptance speech, but the crowd at the Nutter Center filled every seat and most of the auditorium floor. Nearly each waved an American flag and most clutched "Country First" McCain posters.

Jeremy Burns of Piqua cradled his 8-month-old daughter Elauna in his arms after the rally, pleased he could one day tell her she was part of the historic event.

"(McCain's) choice was a surprise to me, but it was the best move he's made," Burns said.

While Tori Burns, 14, of Anna in Shelby County said she felt it a great accomplishment for a woman to run for vice president, she did have a concern.

"I think it would be hard to take care of kids and lead the country," she said.

Caroline Henry, 47, of Dayton acknowledged Palin will face challenges juggling a large family and a national office, if elected. But, she said, "Women can do it. Women really are the stronger sex."

David Miller, 40, of Dayton was first in line outside the Nutter Center, showing up about 6 p.m. Thursday and spending the night. His ticket said first come, first served.

"I wanted to be the first served," he said.

Mike Richardson, 41, of Cincinnati was one of only a few blacks who attended the rally. Despite that, Richardson said he didn't feel alone in the conservative crowd.

"I'm a conservative," he said. "As far as conservatives go, McCain's the best."

Richardson said he looked at both presidential hopefuls, and in no way feels disloyal for not supporting the nation's first black to be nominated for presidential by a major party.

"I don't think (Barack) Obama is the only choice," Richardson said. "There are a lot of black conservatives."

Charles Arnett, 73, of Union strolled into the gym wearing a Panama straw hat and carrying a copy of the United States Constitution in his T-shirt pocket.

"I believe in the Constitution as it was written," said Arnett, a retired minister. "I believe John McCain will go by what it says."

Officials had to close the doors of the Nutter Center about 11:25 a.m, preventing some 300 people from attending the rally. The supporters were lined up outside when a campaign worker informed them that the building had reached capacity and the fire marshal was not allowing anyone else to enter.

Roy and Harriet Tucker drove up from Springboro and arrived close to 11 a.m., because they didn't want to wait outside in the heat. They were among those locked out.

"I have a ticket," Roy Tucker said. "I feel that if they gave out tickets they ought to have enough seats for the people who have them."

Not everyone in the Miami Valley welcomed the Republican candidate.

Approximately 100 protesters from the Miami Valley AFL-CIO rallied in front of the Nutter Center in opposition to McCain. As his supporters filed in, protesters chanted, "John McCain, more of the same." People in line to enter the center occasionally chanted back, "Nobama, Nobama," in reference to Democratic presidential candidate Obama.

Wes Wells, executive director of the Dayton-Miami Valley AFL-CIO regional labor council, said he recognized the protesters were addressing a hostile crowd but, "They need to know that we're here."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@DaytonDailyNews.com.

More from McCain's Dayton visit and VP announcement:

> McCain's VP pick wows local crowd

> Senator's pick known as maverick

> Nutter crowd greets Palin with enthusiasm

> Ohio Republicans voice support

> Photos: McCain's visit | Gov. Sarah Palin | Spotted at the Nutter

> Videos: Palin's speech | Nutter Center rally

> More election coverage