Las Vegas NowHillary Clinton Holds Town Hall Meeting in Las Vegas

Hillary Clinton Holds Town Hall Meeting in Las Vegas

For the fourth time in recent months, New York senator and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton campaigned in Southern Nevada. Her first stop Wednesday was a meeting with members of the Culinary Union.

The Culinary Union's endorsement with 60,000 service industry employees locally would be a big shot in the arm for any presidential hopeful. After that, the former First Lady held a town hall meeting.

It was an early start for the Clinton camp and organizers were ready. It didn't take long for supporters to show up and make their way into the Canyon Springs High School gymnasium. More than 3,000 supporters showed up for the hour-long meeting and cheered throughout, as Clinton mapped out her plans and visions for the future.

The Hartshauser family was among the thousands of supporters there to listen to Hillary Clinton. Peter Harthauser, Senior says there is one key issue he wants to hear her talk about -- immigration. "My son is a U.S. citizen, I'm not. I was born in Germany, so for me it's important."

His oldest son, Peter Hartshauser, Junior, is now eligible to vote for the first time. He says immigration is also why he is here. "Immigration really affects my family on a big part. My grandfather is American, but because he didn't sign some papers, my father is not. It's a big conflict."

Another hot issue is what drew Sabrina Robins there with her eight-year-old son Blake. "I want to hear her view on the war in Iraq. And how she's planning to bring our troops home and hear about her domestic policy as far as the shrinking middle class, and the jobs in the U.S." 

The war in Iraq topic drew a loud applause from the crowd. "It needs to start with ending the war in Iraq," Clinton stated. 

After about an hour, Senator Clinton wrapped up her town hall meeting leaving the audience with mixed feelings.

Peter Hartshauser, Jr. added, "I was really impressed. A lot of questions I had were answered."

But Sabrina Robins commented, :I want to still hear more from Hillary, as well as Barrak Obama. So, I am undecided."

Among those stopping by to hear Hillary Clinton were high school students from Canyon Springs.

Student body president Diamond Graham had the duty of introducing the presidential candidate. After a brief presentation of a football jersey, Mrs. Clinton took charge.

Among the hot topics were health care, the economy, and the war in Iraq. All three issues got a rousing applause. Her take on these issues even got the students involved.

Diamond Graham says she and her classmates are thrilled their campus was chosen. "It was inspiring. Not a lot of student bodies get this opportunity. It's definitely something to remember. This week they've been excited, and I know we all were listening and took in what she said.

Graham is eighteen years old and will vote in her first election in 2008, but still says she's undecided who will get her vote.

Clinton spoke for about an hour and then took some questions from people in the audience. After the town hall meeting, she stayed to talk with her supporters.

All in all, the people Eyewitness News talked to said they were pleased with what they heard.

Email your comments to Reporter Chris Saldana.

Hillary Rodham Clinton also addressed a hotel and casino workers Wednesday morning in Las Vegas.

Senator Clinton told members of the Culinary union that corporate America was trying to pull the rug out from under the middle class.

She said, "I have nothing against rich people... but what made America great is the middle class."

Clinton credited the union movement with building the middle class. She said she thinks it should be easier to join unions and said she supports a union-supported method of organizing called "card check."

The union is negotiating its contract with MGM Mirage, Harrah's Entertainment and other casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. The group's presidential endorsement is expected to be key to
winning Nevada January 19 Democratic caucus.

This is Clinton's fourth campaign trip to Nevada.
   
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)