GARY | U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton was greeted by surprised diners and enthusiastic campaign supporters at the Bennigan's restaurant here.

The senator spent close to an hour shaking hands, signing autographs and chatting with supporters.

Betsy Cowan, of Schererville, a campaign volunteer, shook Clinton's hand and said, "We're working hard for you senator."

"Thank you, we're going to need it," Clinton told her.

Clinton was escorted into the restaurant by Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, the Lake County Democratic chairman who has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama.

"I thought it was appropriate to give her the respect," Clay said. "This presidential campaign is like nothing I've seen in my lifetime, and I don't think I'll see anything like it again."

After her visit, she was whisked away by staff to her next appearance, a meeting with steelworkers at McBride Hall in Gary. From there, she will go to East Chicago Central High School, where she is scheduled to speak on "Solutions for the American Economy" at 7:30 p.m.