Seven local mayors endorse Clinton

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BY THE TIMES | Friday, March 28, 2008 | (66 comment(s))

Seven Indiana mayors are throwing their support behind U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, her staff announced Friday afternoon.

Clinton is expected to meet with the mayor's following her speech at the Hammond Civic Center Friday afternoon. Her arrival was delayed over an hour from a previous stop in Mishawaka.

Those mayors supporting Clinton are Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura, Lake Station Mayor Keith Soderquist, Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor, East Chicago Mayor George Pabey, Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez and Crown Point Mayor David Uran.

"I am enormously grateful for the support of these distinguished Hoosier state mayors," Clinton said in a prepared statement issued Friday. "Their dedication to their communities and to Indiana is the kind of leadership we need to move this country in the right direction. I look forward to partnering with them so we can bring about the changes that Hoosiers need."

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Michelle wrote on May 3, 2008 1:47 AM:

" I was born in Gary but currently live near Tucson. Isn't it time for a change, Indiana? Senator Clinton doesn't relate to our problems and issues. She is an absurdly wealthy individual (and that's fine, I suppose) who is so far removed from what we experience. For the life of me, I just don't understand her appeal. Her experience argument is weak at best.

And it just makes me tired to imagine the drama of another Clinton administration. Both are so sleazy and self-serving...

Obama more than ever! Consider his good judgement on the Iraq war. It matters! All that he anticipated would go awry in his 2002 speech proved to be spot on. Over 4000 of our children are gone in a war waged for oil. McCain has admitted it...

Please Hoosiers--you're too smart to be sucked into the Clinton game. Indiana is a good and decent state. Be the state to put an end to this before it's too late.

"

thomas jayjack wrote on Apr 3, 2008 6:57 PM:

" how can 7 mayors from the region back the clintons who protested us veterans during the vietnam war she belongs with hanio jane fonda tj usmc "

Obama 08 wrote on Apr 3, 2008 4:42 PM:

" Face it people she lost. There is no way she will win, she need to win by 80% in the next primaries. Her stubbornness is mirror image of when little bush occupied iraq. She is extending thee Clinton legacy just like Lil' Bush. "

Time for change wrote on Apr 3, 2008 4:39 PM:

" "Obama is distracted too easily, and is way too impulsive."

WHAT! You must be watching faux news.

Clinton and McCain wear the same flip flops. "

easy way out wrote on Apr 3, 2008 9:18 AM:

" we have become so intolerant...of everything. Most matters are not black and white and while it is easy to do noone can claim all or everyone of a certain group/job/class/race is corrupt/evil/lazy/ugly. It takes work to get into the issues and is easy to make broadsweeping statements like these. Lets not take the easy way out! "

Hey Crazy People wrote on Apr 2, 2008 11:45 PM:

" Who would vote for Hillary? I would! Who would vote for McCain? I would, if Obama wins the Democratic nomination. Vote Hillary and make this country great AGAIN!!!!! "

crazy people wrote on Apr 2, 2008 10:30 PM:

" Who would vote for Hillary? Who would vote for McCain? Seven corrupt mayors that do not have the best interest of NW Indiana at heart. If Hillary wins Im voting McCain sorry but thats that! Vote Obama and lets make America great! "

Common Sense wrote on Apr 2, 2008 10:26 PM:

" As a college educated caucasian male, I will be voting for Barack Obama. The problem with NW Indiana is we need to wake up! We need good change, lets not vote in the same Clinton-Bush Dynasty. Clintons had their chance and so did Bush! Lets get be smart and vote for our neighbor Barack Obama! You talk about experience...ey.... Evan Bayh was just over 30 when he become Governor, McDermott was early thirties when he was elected. People of Hammond voted for the McDermott Jr. and should have known better...look at his father and see where hammond is headed....In this country we seem to like these dynasties of the McDermotts, Clintons, Bushes and Daleys. "

Mike wrote on Apr 2, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Obama is distracted too easily, and is way too impulsive. This is who we want running our country? NOTTTT! "

JTV wrote on Apr 2, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Ever notice that is is the cities run by Democrats that seem to have the most problems whether it is crime, schools, ecomomy, etc. Any Clinton(or Obama) support is not wanted in NW Indiana...what we need is good strong Republicans running this place. Never has the socialist(Lib's) agenda
worked, never have socialist(Lib's) ideas worked....Hillary and Obama stay out!!!! "

Hope wrote on Apr 2, 2008 8:00 AM:

" Clinton would promise the world to get back in the white house and lies prove it!If she cant pay her bills, hows she going to run this country! "

DUH wrote on Apr 1, 2008 2:10 PM:

" After all the negative comments I see in this paper about the mayors that are endorsing Hillary, I would think the endorsement will do more harm than good to her campaign!!! "

Hey Kanisha wrote on Apr 1, 2008 12:16 PM:

" I am an educated white male and I think Barack Obama is the only choice if we want to turn this country around. Hillary is not Bill. Hillary takes tons of money from the special interests. Hillary refuses to release her tax returns because she takes tons of money from special interests.Hillary and Barack have about the same amount of experience, she is second term, he is a first term senator. Hillary chose the wine for state dinners when Bill was president, she did not negotiate anything with anyone.

She also ran for the senate in a state she never was a citizen of. What does that tell you? She is a fraud and we have enough of that already in Washington. Go Obama! "

They continue to make mistakes! wrote on Mar 31, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Too bad, & to think I once believed in Pabey! "

nwi wrote on Mar 31, 2008 10:27 AM:

" What has obama ever led????? "

TIME TO COME TOGETHER wrote on Mar 31, 2008 8:35 AM:

" This primary is getting nastier and nastier. I just hope, despite the differences, that we can all agree to vote Democrat no matter which candidate wins. Personally I don't think Hillary has a chance of coming back to win the primary. The longer she stays in the more torn apart the party will be. The republicans, the real crooks, are now eating all the mudslinging up. If Hillary takes this thing all the way to August, the party is in trouble. Just look at the posts on here. Endorsements from these mayors should do more damage than good. This country needs a change and the republicans are hoping we keep this up. Despite who may win, support the candidate. PLEASE!!! No more republican presidents... "

Eakarach wrote on Mar 31, 2008 3:04 AM:

" Awesome news. Hillary need all the help she can it.Go Hillary 08! "

Kanisha wrote on Mar 30, 2008 7:23 PM:

" I am an educated African American from Illinois. I am shocked and embarrassed that Hillary did not win in this state. I am disappointed with the people that voted based on race or gender. I’m sickened by those who forgot all that former President Clinton did for our race. True, Obama will help us blacks. But, he is not about the good of all of U.S. I believe all people of all races or religious backgrounds deserve to run for president, but before they do, they should be representing all of mankind, not just one race. Obama's values are messed up. Just listen to his message on Hope. It says it all. He will make a great leader for our race, but he could never make a great leader for our country. I fear we would have a civil war if he is elected.
Hillary Clinton on the other hand is experienced. She has been loyal to our country and she is the one and only true candidate that can get us out of this horrible mess we are in. Vote Hillary! "

7 NWI endorsements that matter wrote on Mar 30, 2008 6:13 PM:

" Yes, distinguished Mayors, she didn't stutter. I was very proud of them if for no other reason than being diplomatic and having the professional courtesy to be in attendance and for Mayor McDermott to make certain the city was as presentable as possible. When expecting guest do some tidying up in expectation for their visit. No wander Gary couldn't accept her visit, nothing could improve upon that disaster area "

Finally wrote on Mar 30, 2008 1:28 PM:

" Great to see that these mayors are finally doing something positive.....we need someone with experience to clean up after the Bush debacle. Obama talks out of both sides of his mouth and thinks we voters are too stupid to see what he stands for. "

Bad Move wrote on Mar 30, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Why would these mayors support a losing fight? Its embarrasing that they would back a person that is dividing the party. "

Heneri wrote on Mar 30, 2008 7:57 AM:

" Hillary does have the respect of the republicans. She has worked with a number of prominent republicans in both the House and the Senate to pass a number of bills. The SCHIP bill that insured so many children is one instance where she worked across the isle. There are others. Obama has no success record in working with anyone, not even fellow democrats. Does he really think he can bring 'unity' just because he says so? How absurd.

Hillary knows these things can be contentious, and she knows how to work with and around that. He doesn't. He thinks just because he says so, things will change. "

Heneri wrote on Mar 30, 2008 7:52 AM:

" Small towns in our state have suffered many blows in the last 7 years. Mayors have been hard pressed to deliver the services and the government that they would like to as the tax base shrinks and the economies worsen. Anyone in their right mind KNOWS that Hillary is the answer to helping our nation revive. These mayors see the real truth every day. I salute them for their wisdom. "

Mary B wrote on Mar 30, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Wonderful news! Hillary is the person most capable of getting us all out of the mess we are in now. Thank you Mayors!!! "

Duh wrote on Mar 30, 2008 4:03 AM:

" "I am enormously grateful for the support of these distinguished Hoosier state mayors," Clinton said in a prepared statement issued Friday.
Should have said DISGUSTING Hoosier state mayors.
Hillary, like the 7 mayors, doesn't have a clue.
As much as I don't want to vote Republican, I gotta go with McCain. "

kerry wrote on Mar 30, 2008 12:36 AM:

" It is all part of the new momentum Clinton is gaining. The Dems are starting to realize that they have to secure for her, for otherwise the Republicans will win. The mayors' endorsements reflect the will of the people. "

Gio wrote on Mar 30, 2008 12:18 AM:

" Please, there's no one more corrupted than Sen. Kennedy and let's not talk about special ineterest money. In January 2008, Sen. Obama described union contributions as "special interest" money, BUT CHANGED HIS TUNE as he began gathering his own union endorsements. Next, are the oil and gas companies, Exelon alone has given him $195,000 and ExxonMobil,Shell,and other gas and oil companies are among his donors. These are just a few, but this is public information so go to the Center for Responsive Politics or the senate web site(www.senate.gov)so that you can learn the facts. Furthermore,he used PAC(Political Action Committees) money while Clinton and McCain have not. Back in September 2007 he was for public financing, but now changed his tune again because it would put a limit on the campaing money. As far as healthcare, he was a proponent of single payer,but now he is not. In March 2004, he was AGAINST craking down on businesses that hired illegal immigrants, but in January 31, 2008 (televised debate)he said something totally different "WE DO HAVE TO CRACK DOWN ON THOSE EMPLOYERS." Anyway,the list goes on... so give a break. "

Mommacmic wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:21 PM:

" These mayors know that only 130 delegates separate Hillary from Obama — and that’s not counting Florida and Michigan. The difference in popular vote is less than 1 percent, and millions of voters have yet to make their voices heard. This election should be about their choice.

But now we’re hearing people — elected officials, party members, and Obama campaign surrogates — call for Hillary to pull out.

NO WAY - HILLARY is a fighter and will be the next President. "

Jayne wrote on Mar 29, 2008 6:28 PM:

" Obama only got elected Senator because corrupt political power broker Emil Jones "created" him. Between Obama's good buddies, Jones, Rezko, and America-hating Rev. Wright, the Republicans will wipe the floor with Obama without breaking a sweat. Support Hillary, or be prepared to say hello to President McCain come November. "

To :maggie wrote on Mar 29, 2008 5:42 PM:

" You sound real stupid,"Obama should be endorsed by a barmaid,or someone of equal stature", and the worse part was you thinking CNN should broadcast Hillary being endorsed by the worse most crooked Mayors in the country. I'm glad these Mayors are endorsing her, it makes me feel even better about voting against her. Birds of a feather... "

Aidan wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:40 PM:

" Yeah, all you anti-Clinton men: Obama never voted against gun control. He was a lousy state senator here in IL, plays Chicago politics, has the least bi-partisan voting record in Congress, has been called a dillitante by his congressional peers, does not know anything about foreign policy, would make your taxes go through the roof with his health care plan; copied senator Clinton in his 30B economic plan (read: has no original ideas), and is all talk and NO action. You might not like Hillary Clinton, but at least she actually has a real voting record that is bi-partisan, has showed up for more votes on Iraq than Obama (let alone votes at all in the Senate) and has been around longer. The change I don't want is from republican ideology to Liberal driven ignorance. If you vote for someone, do so on their record. "

Phoenix Comment wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:50 PM:

" This is great news! Hillary Clinton is the candidate who is most concerned about the economy, jobs and ALL human rights. She will keep America safe and will be an advocate for veteran care. I have supported her from Day 1. Go Hillary! "

Arturo Gomez wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:08 PM:

" It just makes common sense that Hillary is the best candidate to take back the White House. The Democratic Party has to realize that the Republican Party set up a strategy that so far is working perfect. Obama has won mostly Republican states becaue republican have been voting for him in order to get him nominated and then they will tear him apart the media is helping them to do this by giving positive exposure to Obama and attacking Hillary. If Indiana and the rest of the states up their eyes and realize what is going on then we the people will give the nomination to Hillary. "

Ricki Lieberman wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:04 AM:

" BRAVA HILLARY!

BRAVO MAYORS for recognizing that Senator Clinton is the most experienced, most competent, most electable, most visionary person to be our next President. And she has a great sense of humor!

GO GO GO!!! "

ROBIN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:00 AM:

" It is too bad Clay thinks of himself above the citizens of his city. These 7 mayors have common sense. This certainly will not motivate people to look at Gary as a diverse city, or bring any prosperity to it. He should be ashamed. It is fine if he does not endorse Hillary, that is his right. But to not attend and turn her away saying he would not attend a Hillary rally is beyond stupid. This will certainly come back on him. Shame on you Rudy. Now wonder this city is in such bad shape. "

Jane Mitchell wrote on Mar 29, 2008 9:18 AM:

" AWESOME! "

Louise wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Thank you Mayors! America needs Hillary! "

Nancy Stamper wrote on Mar 29, 2008 5:18 AM:

" Hearing your specific plans for giving our share of America back to middle-class Americans spoke to my dreams of an America that is governed by the people, not by Coporations and the avarice of our enemies. Together, I know that we will build a new and greater America. "

deborah wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:18 AM:

" Thank you all the Mayors who support Hillary!!! You made a significant and winning choices. Hillary in the only qualified candidate in this race and she will be an excellent president good for our country and for American people and for Indiana!!! I am proud of you and you all have earned my highest respect!!!

Thank you again and May God bless you! "

Noel wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:29 AM:

" The only person I will support for President is Sen Hillary Clinton. To me Sen Obama is a hypocrite.

I am a Democrat and I believe that the leadership and other fellow democrats in the senate and congress are disrespecting Sen Clinton. I also believe that the leadership is disrespecting the democrats of Michigan and Florida.

Please, please Sen Clinton. Get out of the Democratic party and setu your own party. My family and I together with my friends will support you.

Good luck!!!! "

Adrienne wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:24 AM:

" Let's keep the momentum going! GO INDIANA, GO HILLARY! Indiana has a real chance to make a huge difference. "

Yeah Hillary will win now wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:14 AM:

" Anybody that McDermotte and Pabey back, WOW let's go out and vote for them now. What's worse, to be endorsed by McDermotte, Pabey or George Bush??? She should show class and bow out. Let Obama focus on McCain and keep the party in place... "

Denise Andersen wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:21 PM:

" People know and recognize the truth when they see it.
We need a woman to heal the nation.
Look past the bad press, feel it in your hearts. It is true. "

Denise Andersen wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:18 PM:

" You are the Changer and the Changed Hillary.
You are a brilliant woman. We need a woman now more than ever to heal this nation.
God speed. "

David Stewart wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:41 PM:

" This fight is far from over. Sen Clinton is set to roll in April-May on to 6 wins in 6 states. Sen Obama has won more contests, but Utah, Idaho, Alaska and Wyoming are not going to out a Democrat in the Whitehouse. Hillary can and has won the bigs states. "

Z wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:26 PM:

" If that's true, then that's fantastic news! "

Judith wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:55 PM:

" Thanks to Mayors McDermott, Stahura, Soderquist, Snedecor, Pabey, Velasquez and Uran! Together we will elect Hillary to the White House. "

ldj wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:31 PM:

" This is great news to hear. Thank you mayors of Indiana. I am so glad you see in her what so many military brass see as well as so many of us hard working citizens. Thank you. Hillary08 "

Tera wrote on Mar 28, 2008 5:30 PM:

" It's about time that Mayor Tommy did something good!! "

Usual wrote on Mar 28, 2008 4:50 PM:

" As usual Pabey got it wrong. This is one time Rudy is right. "

myers39 wrote on Mar 28, 2008 4:35 PM:

" Why is it if Obama gets an endorsement,
Hillary says they don't mean a thing. But she gets one or seven and boy, how fantastic they are. Let's put Hillary into the whitehouse and have another 4 years of Bushism. Hillary will change all the rules and if caught in any mistatements, she will claim diplomatic immunuty or executive priveledge for herself and all her personal executives. "

Peggy G. wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:59 PM:

" Seven mayors from one of the most politically corrupt areas of the United States. There's a glowing endorsement for you. "

Hillary wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:56 PM:

" Hello Hillary, have you really looked around our twon, their is no leadership. If there was leadership, do your think our neighborhoods would look like they do? Obviously you did not get a tour of the Hammond neighborhoods. "

Peter wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:40 PM:

" I don't care who endorses her, you can't convince me to vote for her. "

Hammond Resident wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:18 PM:

" I guess no one has told Hillary that an endorsement from McDermott means you are a loser. Good News for Obama. "

Please wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:17 PM:

" Please these mayors are just in it for the publicity. Hitlery oops I mean hillary is the worst thing to ever come to this state. Get a clue guys Obama is the winning ticket. "

And.... wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:06 PM:

" These mayors will never get elected again. "

What we need wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:04 PM:

" The change Northwest Indiana Hoosiers need is more politicians behind bars. "

Frustrated in NWI wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:53 PM:

" It makes sense that these mayors are endorsing Clinton because, for the most part, they have one thing in common - taking money from special interest groups.

To all of the mayors - please look past politics as usual and endorse the candidate who will unite the part and bring the country together. I voted for Bill, but eight years of Hillary will be counter-productive because she does not have the respect of the Republicans. "

Where's the Beef??? wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:50 PM:

" I heard stories from Clinton not fact filled plans. No meat in that speach.

OBAMA 2008!

"

Whatever... wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:46 PM:

" apparently she doesn't know that some of them are distinguished by being associated with shady deals. And what kind of leadership is being shown, unless he means taking away resources for those in need and finding ways to avoid accountability. Hopefully her changes will be better. "

Tony wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:37 PM:

" The Seven Dwarfs endorse Hillary. They're thinking if they endorse her they might be able pilage the big government coffers. getting an edorsement from these jokers is like getting the kiss of death from the mafia. "

tony wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Getting an endoresment from these undestinguished northwest indiana mayors who are nothing but blood sucking leeches isn't something to boast about Mrs. Clinton, instead you should have said thank you but no thank you. Maybe someone should have told her most people here in northwest indiana are pretty fed up with these corrupt mayors and are looking to dump them come next election. We have one Mayor Joe lying to the people of Whiting about city hall closing it's doors unless everyone sign a petition to not lower taxes, we have Pabey stealing from E.C to give his friends and fmaily jobs everywhere. We have the bigest crook Mcdimwitt calling Hammond epople idiots and shoving project after project that only makes his daddy richer down thier throats. Being in their company is one sure way of losing Indiana Hillary. "

distinguished Hoosier state mayors? wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:13 PM:

" She does know that Pabey and McDimwit were there, right? She obviously knows nothing about these thugs. "

Legion of Doom wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:10 PM:

" I'm sorry, I thought the headline read "Magazine Lists Most Inept Mayors".

"

Srbijanka wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:07 PM:

" I'm shocked that Mayor Olga is supporting Hillary... The Mayor is a traitor to her people! "

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