Local Reaction to Clinton's Drop Out

ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY --- It's been a knock down, drag out fight, but in the end one man stands.  Now that Senator Hillary Clinton dropped out of the race, Senator Barack Obama is the Democratic hopeful for president.  Some people following the election in Blair County think Clinton's decision to end her campaign is a good idea.

"I think it's a good thing, and she needed to do it," Brenda Kosko – Blyers of Hollidaysburg said.

Although Clinton is not running for president, some hope she can find a place in the White House.

"I think the two of them collectively can be an unbeatable ticket, and I hope they work to make it right,” Tim Mackey of Clearfield said.  “With her experience and his, what I call youthful expression, I would like to see that happen."

One question is whether or not Clinton's supporters will back Obama.  Some Blair County residents think Clinton's exit could be a bad thing for the Democratic Party.

"I think there's going to be some people that go from Democrat to Republican," Kosko – Blyers said. 

Others disagree.  Some local people believe that Democratic voters will work together so their party can win the presidency.

"I can't see it splitting the party because if it does you are going to have the same set up you had a few years ago when Kerry ran against Bush," Mackey said.

Even though Clinton just announced her decision Saturday, polls are already showing that 17% of her supporters will not support Obama. Source:  CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2008/politics/06/07/clinton.unity/index.html).  Another poll showed a majority of people would like to see an Obama - Clinton ticket.  In fact 54% of Democratic voters polled hope Obama asks Clinton to be his running mate.  Source:  CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2008/politics/06/06/poll.obama.clinton/index.html).