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Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Barack Obama, was in Utah today to throw her support behind the Obama-Biden ticket and to help raise money for Utah Democrats.
It was a quick stop for Clinton, but one that Utah Democrats say will benefit them for years to come. Clinton's visit to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center at 1355 W. 3100 South in West Valley City was a short one, less than an hour in all, but she brought some energy and excitement to Utah Democrats as the campaign hits the home stretch.
"Democrats are coming back in Utah, and we're going to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States," Clinton said. Speaking to about 1,000 people this afternoon, Sen. Clinton said Obama would bring much needed change to the federal government.
With the election just 10 days away, Clinton's visit to Utah is a big deal for Democrats, even though she started her speech by acknowledging the Obama-Biden ticket is a long shot in Utah. "Unfortunately, it is a fact that John McCain will win Utah, but I have some very good news, and that good news is that Barack Obama will win the White House."
Clinton brought some humor into her speech, trying to build encouragement for Utah Democrats as they seek office in the Legislature and county seats. "There were a couple of years there where it was thought you should be on the endangered-species list, but you've come back," Clinton said. "You know how to fight hard and how to win and overcome the odds, and you never give up and, well, I don't either, and that's why I admire Utah Democrats."
Democrats paid $50 each to hear Clinton's speech, and all of the money will go to the Utah Democratic Party.
Ogden resident Elizabeth Bunker said, "It was incredible, definitely worth the drive, so it was really fun and exciting. She has a way of speaking and being able to rouse a crowd."
"Let's go out and surprise people with how many Democratic votes we can get here in Utah," Clinton said. "Let's be sure we are part of the change that we can believe in but actually make happen!"
Clinton left the crowd energized and with new reason to hope as Election Day gets even closer. Clinton spent this morning in Park City at a fundraiser to raise money for her Political Action Committee.
The senator is in New Mexico tonight for a similar rally there.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
