Clinton to Oregonians: Don't count me out

[May 17, 2008]  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday she wasn't ceding Oregon - or the nomination - to opponent Barack Obama, who is heavily favored to collect another victory here next week as he comes closer to winning the Democratic nomination.

"I've been declared dead so many times, and luckily it's been premature, and I'm hoping it stays premature," Clinton said. "If I'd listened to people a month ago, three weeks ago, last week, you wouldn't be here trying to make up your minds about who you're going to vote for," she added.

Clinton spoke during a televised town hall-style meeting with voters in Portland on Friday night, wrapping up a day of campaigning in Oregon, which votes Tuesday along with Kentucky. She unveiled three new ads in both states, including one that pokes fun at Washington pundits fixated on the presidential horse race.

Just outside Eugene, Ore., the New York senator chatted with a retired couple and several other local residents at a dining room table about the financial impact of rising fuel costs and food prices.

During that appearance, Clinton criticized President Bush for what she said was inaction during his trip to the Middle East this week.

"I think it's very important that we do something more dramatic than going to have tea with the Saudis," she said.

Saudi leaders made clear Friday, despite a personal appeal from Bush, that they see no reason to increase oil production until buyers demand it.

The Clinton campaign's new 30-second, statewide ad in Oregon shows various television news show anchors discussing the race. An announcer says: "In Washington, they talk about who's up and who's down. In Oregon, we care about what's right and what's wrong." The ad boasts about Clinton record on health care, education and energy, with the tag line: "She's been right when it matters. She'll be there when it counts."

Clinton's Kentucky ads focus on her efforts for the working class and her challenges to corporate America.

At stake Tuesday are 51 delegates in Kentucky and 52 in Oregon. Obama is expected to win Oregon, while Clinton is hoping for a blowout win in Kentucky similar to her 41-point victory in West Virginia, where the electorate is similar - rural, white, working-class.

Voting has already begun in Oregon, with its more than 2 million voters receiving ballots weeks ago. Some 22 percent have returned them, according to the secretary of state.

Clinton planned several days of campaigning in Kentucky after spending the day in Oregon.

[Associated Press; By SARA KUGLER]

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