Clinton Renews Ties In State She Lost In '08

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Hillary Rodham Clinton urged Minnesota voters Thursday to "just look at the facts" about recent economic and social progress as they decide the re-election fates of Gov. Mark Dayton and Sen. Al Franken and turn back scare tactics and negative television ads.

"The question is: Are you going to tune out or turn out? Are you going to be there to vote for accomplished leadership or not?" Clinton said at a get-out-the-vote rally at Macalester College. "The governor and senator have delivered time and time again and they really have earned your vote."

From there, the former U.S. secretary of state, senator and first lady was headed to a fundraiser for Dayton that was expected to yield a six-figure haul.

Her appearance was also a chance for her to renew ties as she ponders a 2016 presidential run. Minnesota went strong for her husband, Bill Clinton, in his two presidential victories but opted for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the state's 2008 Democratic caucuses.

Clinton gave no clues about her plans in a speech filled with praise for Dayton and Franken.

But in a message aimed at a wider audience, Clinton said the middle-class still needs a lift and there is more work to do to regulate institutions that had a hand in the last economic meltdown.

"We've made progress, but there is a lot of unfinished business so we don't end up once again with big banks taking big risks and leaving taxpayers holding the bag," she said.

Dayton was a vocal Clinton backer in her last campaign.

"I hope I'll have a chance to do so again in 2016," he said to cheers. "But right now, our priority is right now."

Dayton is ahead in his bid against GOP nominee Jeff Johnson, though Minnesota tends to have close finishes in big races.

Franken, who got to the Senate with just 312 votes to spare out of 2.9 million cast, faces businessman Mike McFadden in his re-election bid. Franken sounded a message of urgency to the student-heavy crowd, many of whom weren't old enough to vote in his last run.

"We are going to be relentless. We are going to be in your face every day between now and Election Day. We are going to be really obnoxious if that's what it takes," Franken said with a mischievous grin

Republicans say a parade of big-name visitors — both Clintons, first lady Michele Obama, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren — is a sign that Democrats are worried. Earlier Thursday, Vice President Joe Biden — another potential 2016 candidate — campaigned in northern Minnesota.

Despite the focus on building energy for next month's election, some in the audience sported "Hillary 2016" shirts.

Lakeville English teacher Shelly Morgan, 55, wore a "Born to Run" Clinton button on her shirt. Morgan said she was heartbroken when Clinton fell short in 2008.

"I want her to be president so bad," Morgan said, raving about her broad experience and calm demeanor. "I think she has the nomination if she wants it."

Retired real estate agent Carol Greenwood said she jumped at the chance to see Clinton and hopes to see her back as a presidential candidate soon.

"She's solid," said Greenwood, 62, of Minneapolis. "She knows when to step up and knows when to step away."

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