IRONTON, Ohio -- Hillary Rodham Clinton told her supporters today in Ohio's pivotal Appalachian region that Barack Obama offers the best path for a return to the economy the nation saw during her husband's administration.

Clinton later made a campaign stop at a union hall in Northside.

She appeared in southern Ohio area, where she racked up margins as high as 4-to-1 over Obama in the Democratic primary she won in March. The region, where unemployment rates range into double digits, has been a swing area in general elections with President Bush carrying it the last two elections after Bill Clinton led it the two elections before.

"As I recall, when Bill Clinton was in the White House, we saw the economy work for everybody," she told some 400 people at Ohio University's branch campus in Ironton.

"If you worked for me, I hope you will work for Barack and Joe (Biden)," she told a cheering crowd. "The alternative is just not very pleasant to contemplate. You know, George Bush has practiced what John McCain has preached."

She cited tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, less regulation, and lack of progress on health care and energy and said again, it will take a Democrat to improve things after a Bush administration.

She was joined by Gov. Ted Strickland, a key supporter of hers in the primary and an Appalachian native. Strickland cut short his introductory remarks after he kept getting interrupted by Clinton supporters shouting to her. "I can take a hint," he said.

"I like her better now," said Arlene Vallon, a former airline employee who said she supported Hillary Clinton and will vote for Obama. "Now she seems more authentic, more relaxed."

Rob Portman, a Republican former congressman from southern Ohio, said he sees good enthusiasm and support for McCain in the region and hears operators of small businesses in the area express concern that Obama's tax plans will make it more difficult for them.

"I think he (Obama) needs help in this area because she defeated him soundly," Portman said. "I don't know how much of her support will translate into support for him."

Clinton remains popular among working class voters, a demographic Obama needs Tuesday if he is to be successful in Ohio. Polls show the race close here in a state McCain needs if his White House bid is to be successful.

"I'm not asking you to make a leap of faith," she said. "I'm asking you to think about the difference between a Republican administration and a Democratic administration. You know, within recent memory we can make that comparison."

"No Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio and we intend to keep that tradition intact," Strickland said in Kirtland.




By DAN SEWELL, Associated Press, October 31, 2008