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Chelsea campaigns for Hillary
30/04/2008 10:20 - (SA)
San Juan - Chelsea Clinton campaigned for her mother on Tuesday in Puerto Rico, where the marathon race for the Democratic presidential nomination has brought new importance to a US island that typically has scant say over national affairs.
With just over a month to go before Puerto Rico's June 1 primary, the former first daughter toured the US territory's capital of San Juan and shook hands with well-wishers, posed for snapshots and tried to charm voters on behalf of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
In the day's first campaign push, the 28-year-old met with roughly 250 senior citizens at a residence run by an order of Catholic nuns. She touted her mother's health care proposals and stressed her electability.
"I passionately believe my mother is the most prepared and is the strongest candidate," said Clinton, who dressed in dark blue jeans and a black jacket despite the tropical heat.
The crowd appeared to made up entirely of the Clinton faithful, including 78-year-old Annie Riera.
"It's very good that she came here to meet the Puerto Rican people firsthand. I'm proudly voting for her mother," said Riera, pointing to a campaign pin on her blouse.
Later in the day, Clinton toured the capital's colonial district of Old San Juan. She was also scheduled to meet with a Christian youth group, followed by a visit to a gay rights organisation. She refused to take questions from reporters.
Angel Urena, a spokesperson for Hillary Clinton's campaign, said the young woman has been a strong asset for her mother in the tight race.
"In many respects, she has taken on the role as one of Senator Clinton's greatest advocates on the campaign trail," Urena said.
Strong support
Her two-day visit comes roughly three weeks after her father, former President Bill Clinton, stumped across the US territory for his wife
In coming days, Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama are both expected to touch down in the Spanish-speaking US territory, where local politics largely revolve around the island's relationship to the US mainland.
Some analysts say Hillary Clinton's New York ties could strengthen her support in Puerto Rico and reduce Obama's lead in the overall popular vote - possibly improving her case at the Democratic National Convention in August. Puerto Ricans cannot vote in the general presidential election, but a high turnout is expected in the June 1 vote.
Puerto Rico, which has 63 delegate votes at the August convention, will hold one of the last primaries.
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