Some wonder why Clinton more visible in NW Ind. than Obama

By TOM COYNE, Associated Press Writer

Tools

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks during a rally in South Bend, Ind.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks during a rally in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, April 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By Beth Boehne

WHITING, Ind. (AP) — Ken Rahn is undecided about who he will vote for in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, and he's watching the two campaigns closely.

The 55-year-old pipefitter from Whiting has noticed that New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has made more campaign stops in northwest Indiana than Sen. Barack Obama and says that could play a role when he casts his ballot on Tuesday.

"She is making an effort to communicate with the area and that he hasn't been here as much," he said. "I wouldn't say it bothers me, but you notice."

Clinton was in Portage and Hobart on Tuesday, her fourth campaign swing through the area in the past four weeks. Former President Bill Clinton made stops in four cities on Thursday. Obama so far has made one stop in northwest Indiana, speaking at Roosevelt High School in Gary on April 10. He planned to visit a steel company in the northwest Indiana city of Munster on Friday.

The Associated Press left a message seeking a comment at Obama's state campaign office.

Susan Hmurovic, a retired second-grade teacher from Whiting, said she plans to vote for Clinton, but she's also a big fan of Obama. She attended one of the events former President Clinton spoke at Thursday, as well as earlier this week when Caroline Kennedy campaigned for Obama. She said another visit by Obama probably wouldn't have swayed her vote, but she would have tried to attend.

"I love the attention," she said.

Many assume northwest Indiana will be a strength for Obama because it is in the Chicago television market, where the Illinois senator had received a lot of coverage since being elected in 2004. But Marie Eisenstein, an assistant professor of political science at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, said she doesn't believe that is so.

"Even though we sit in the shadow of the third largest media market, that's not going to help him because there are stalwart voting demographics that lean toward Hillary in northwest Indiana," she said.

She cited the large number of Hispanics and blue-collar workers who live in the region.

"It's not going to matter to them that he's from Illinois," she said. "I don't see that as a benefit to him in this case."

She said Clinton's visibility in the region could help her on Tuesday.

"Some of this comes down to intangibles. They want to be able to hear a candidate themselves, see a candidate in person and make an assessment as to this individual," she said.

Saturday, May 3 at 8:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Obama is too elite to spend much time in Indiana.

Saturday, May 3 at 8:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What Jaywin is doing is typical Obama tactics. Are you going to take Hillary supporters?

Saturday, May 3 at 8:01 PM USA Loving Democrat wrote ...

In regard to Jeff,if you want a tough,patriotic Democrat,who cares about getting America back on it's feet economically,and our reputation in high regard again globally,than I suggest you vote for Hillary. She does not read from any script,but has answered the quick fire tough questions as recently from Bill O'rielly,and passed with flying colors.She has shown the moxy to withstand the heat and will stand up for America and defend it against the toughest foriegn leaders.

Friday, May 2 at 9:06 PM Jay wrote ...

Yea, Jeff the Republicans have such good progress. What planet do you live on. I don't think you're that bright either - b/c if the Obama speeches I've seen, he doesn't have a teleprompter. So you're clueless.

Friday, May 2 at 11:26 AM Jeff wrote ...

Obama doesn't have what it takes. He gives a good speech with a teleprompter, but he can't hack the real thing. American will never elect a weak, unpatriotic intellectual. Democrats have to stop whining, and start giving us real candidates: give us a candidate that is tough and patriotic, and we'll vote for you. Until then, I'll stick with the Republicans, thank you. At least they're not ashamed of the United States of America.

Friday, May 2 at 9:34 AM I like to see Hillary visit Lagrange, Indiana wrote ...

Hillary has my vote but I understand where she has a lot of ground to cover if I did have the time. Right now every where is poor in Lagrange county alone we have lost three plants of employment LA West converson Vans, AtWood Products, Dutch Housing Inc, and part of Starcraft is moving there boat opration to New Paris Indiana and some of the small buisness owners have closed there doors What up with that? You need to thank Mitch for the Job loss. hint hint I not voting for Obama or Mitch.

Friday, May 2 at 7:07 AM NO VOTE FOR OBAMA! wrote ...

Watched Glenn Beck-Headline News last night. What an eye opener-Obama had to know that Rev Wright was Anti-American and Anti-White! They shown the full sermons, shame on both of them! It was terrible!! Worst than just the pieces that was on TV!!! Obama is indeed a liar!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 1 at 9:52 PM Jaywin wrote ...

TO ALL THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS: Since the media is refusing to reveal/report the Paul vs Clinton fraud case in court right now, we need to create our own movement and flood every blog on CNN and every blogging website on the World Wide Web with information from the case regardless of what the topic is. For those that don't know - Google Paul vs Clinton and hold on to your shirt with what you read!!

Thursday, May 1 at 8:42 PM Democrat wrote ...

I find it funny that the voters in the poorest county in the state have not been considered for a visit by either candidate. Not a one comes to Starke, the official poorest county in the state of Indiana. They just want to go where the rich live, they don't care about honest people trying to make a living.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular

WSBT Weather

icon
60
°
More Weather
More On Demand

Stock Quotes

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
60 Minutes
8.00
Big Brother 10
9.00
Cold Case
10.00
CSI: NY
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Irish Sports Report

Question of The Day

Who is going to win the Super Bowl 2007 rematch?

  • Bears
  • Colts

Most Popular