Clinton, Obama make pitches to Utahns
Each campaign held out hope that its candidate might travel here.
A top Obama supporter, former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, told the Deseret Morning News that Obama feels "very strongly about Utah and the possibility of continued outreach to the voters between now and next Tuesday." He pointed out that the Illinois senator's wife, Michelle, will visit the Beehive State on Monday.
Daschle said he believes Obama can best articulate the values, ideals and extraordinary future held by the West in general and Utah in particular.
Asked who will win the "Super Tuesday" races next week, he said, "We're very hopeful. We're not make any predictions about the vote. We've got a lot of support, a lot of endorsement."
The campaign has committed resources, staff members and personal appearances to Utah, he added. "Utah's important because it's really one of those states we think is a winnable state for Barack.
Obama has personal affection for the West and Utah, he said. He feels "oneness with people there" and has visited Utah, Daschle added.
Asked why so much national attention is focused on a Democratic race in Utah, Daschle replied that Obama has a strong view that the campaign needs a 50-state strategy, "not just in selected states that have been generally good for Democrats. ... We really do want to be competitive in states in the West, and we've already seen what that can do."
Democrats have been capturing gubernatorial mansions, he indicated, and he takes that as a hopeful sign.
"Barack was planning to come (to Utah) until the unfortunate death of the President of the church," he said, referring to President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died Sunday. "Out of respect for the church and the presidency, he postponed his visit. ... I suspect you'll see Barack at some point in the future."
Utah is also very much on the mind of the Clinton campaign as well.
Donald Dunn, representing Clinton in Utah, said the senator from New York will hold a "national town hall meeting" that includes Utah. On Monday, Clinton will talk to voters and respond to questions, with the session broadcast on the Internet and on the Hallmark Television Network.
In Salt Lake City, those interested will gather in the City Council Chambers, 40 S. State, for the meeting. At least one person from Salt Lake City, possibly more, will be able to ask Clinton a question.
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How silly that i just read, on this website, from the same day, an...
julie | Feb. 1, 2008 at 12:54 a.m.
