But wait, there's more — a Clinton (or 2) may visit

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March 22, 2008

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton might be in Southern Oregon in the next few weeks.

Isaac Baker, spokesman for the Clinton campaign, confirmed that the Clintons will make a sweep through the state, with details expected to be announced next week.

"I expect her to campaign in Southern Oregon and across the state," said Baker.

He said either the New York senator or the former president — or both of them — will be in this area in the coming weeks.

"Southern Oregon is absolutely an important region for her," he said.

Clinton trails Sen. Barack Obama in recent state polls. Baker acknowledged, "I think it's a little bit of an uphill climb in Oregon."

Baker said that during the campaign swing, "she'll be making the case to Oregonians that she's the best, most qualified candidate."

Clinton officials announced Friday that Clay Haynes will serve as director of the Oregon effort. Haynes has been deputy national field director, overseeing the campaign's voter strategies in battleground states.

Paulie Brading, chairwoman of the Jackson County Democratic Central Committee, said, "That's going to be a joy to the Clinton supporters' hearts." She said Clinton should get a reception locally similar to Sen. Barack Obama, who is holding a town hall event today.

With so much attention on Southern Oregon in this campaign cycle, Brading said it's difficult to keep track of all the developments.

"I'm enjoying all the intensity of all this fever around me," she said. "I think there will be a lot of fever if Clinton comes here."

Ashland resident and environmental activist Andy Kerr, volunteer on the Oregon steering committee for the Hillary Clinton campaign, said, "It's good news. We're looking forward to it." Obama is ahead in the delegate count, but Kerr said Clinton is very close.

He said he expects greater emphasis on this state because of the late primary and the need for delegates in both the Clinton and Obama camps.

Clinton, he predicts, will get a good turnout if she appears locally.

"It's a hard-fought race, but she can draw a crowd and her husband can draw a crowd," he said.

Bryan Platt, chairman of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, said he understands why both Obama and Clinton would want to come to Oregon.

"The number of states with primaries are few and far between and they both need delegates," he said.

Platt doesn't think McCain will come through Southern Oregon during the primary, but he does expect him here during the general election.

He said once the public understands the policies of the candidates McCain should do well in Oregon.

"I feel we just have a stronger position against whoever prevails in the Democratic Party," he said.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.

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