Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry (Mass.) addressed a throng of people on West State Street and West Kilbourn Avenue behind City Hall Monday, encouraging voters to choose a new direction for America when they vote today.

"What we need is a fresh start and new credibility for this country," Kerry said. "You get to choose and change the direction of this country."

Kerry said it was inexcusable that American troops in Iraq did not have enough armor, numbers or allies.

"We need a commander in chief who knows how to get the job done," Kerry said. "I defended our country as a young man and I will defend it as president of the United States."

The event was held just blocks from the U.S. Cellular Arena, where President Bush was holding a rally.

Marquette Law School student Matt Lerner said he thinks the dual visits by Bush and Kerry show Wisconsin's significance in this year's election.

"I think it shows how important (Wisconsin) is as a swing state and a community that they choose to be here the day before the election," Lerner, 24, said.

Kerry said he would reward companies that do not outsource jobs and shut the loopholes that reward outsourcing jobs. He plans to raise the minimum wage and give students a $4,000 tax credit to help pay for college educations, as well as raise the child care credit by $1,000.

In the 20-minute speech, Kerry said America will find cures for diseases through stem cell research. He said he plans to have 20 percent of energy from renewable resources by 2020, and he would never privatize social security.

Kerry made reference to the presidential debates when Bush frequently said the job of president required hard work.

"Well, Mr. President, we're here to tell you we're ready and willing and impatient to relieve you of the hard work and get to work for America," Kerry said. He told the crowd "if you believe, as I do, that America's best days are ahead of us, then help us out tomorrow."

Roxanne Karlin, 49, of Greendale, said the speech was "wonderful and good to hear. I'm confident he's going to win tomorrow."

Jon Bon Jovi played for 15 minutes before Kerry's remarks.

"Only one more day until you guys get the microphone and history is made right here on the streets," Bon Jovi said after he played "Livin' On a Prayer."

Mayor Tom Barrett and Gov. Jim Doyle both stressed the importance of Wisconsin as a swing state prior to Kerry's remarks.

"We are in the battleground city in the battleground state and we are going to decide that John Kerry is the next president of the United States," Barrett said.

The crowd stretched for blocks up West State Street, huddled in the 50-degree, rainy weather. They remained enthusiastic throughout, chanting "Kerry" and "one more day." Kerry told the people they were wonderful, and said he would never forget this rally in Milwaukee.

"I'm very optimistic that Kerry's going to win, due to the large number of people who are coming out to vote and all the first time voters," said Catherine Flaherty, 46, of Shorewood.

"We're just really excited, and we think he has a plan for the economy, a plan for more jobs and a plan for Iraq," said Terry Jones, 56, from Arlington, Texas.

Jones' wife Cynthia Sawtell, 57, said Kerry "knows how to behave in the world. Unfortunately, Mr. Bush doesn't."

"Kerry's going to win all the way," said Susan Sherkowsky, 41, from West Allis. "He's just the better man."