Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Associated Press Photo Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks at a news conference after a campaign event, Monday.

Hillary Clinton took a strong debate performance in Pennsylvania to the bank last Tuesday. Literally.

The former first lady carried support following her debate with fellow Presidential candidate Barack Obama to a near 10 point win in the Keystone State.

In the 24 hours following the pivotal Democratic primary, Clinton raised $10 million contributed by over 100,000 individual donors.

The renewed financial support was greeted with open arms by the Clinton campaign heading into the crucial Indiana and North Carolina primaries on May 6.

"There is no denying that Democrats in Indiana are excited about this year's election season," Thomas Cook of the Indiana Democratic Party said. "Now that we have our chance to be a part of this process, everyone is energized as we look to our May primary and on toward November."

Obama, who began the month of April with more than four times the money of Senator Clinton, leads in the polls in North Carolina by a significant 15 points.

"Students have organized in force for both candidates," Zack Hawkins, president of Young Democrats of North Carolina, said. "We feel that our future is at stake and that it's time to take our rightful places at the table of democracy."

North Carolina offers 115 delegates, the most of any state remaining in the path to the White House for the Democrats.

Many believe Clinton will do well in Indiana, a state with demographics similar to Pennsylvania.

"We fully expect to see great support on May 6 for all of the Democratic candidates on the ballot," Cook said. "Indiana hasn't been in a position such as this in 40 years, and Hoosiers are ready to take advantage of this great opportunity to have our voices be heard."

Clinton has repeatedly challenged Obama to further debates before the May 6 primaries, but Obama said he feels it is necessary to get in touch with the "folks…on the ground."

Clinton hopes her recent fundraising explosion will translate into success at the polls in Indiana and North Carolina.

Indiana, true to the label of mid-America conservatism, has not voted to put a Democrat in the White House since 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater in a landslide victory.

A high voter turnout is anticipated in both Indiana and North Carolina.

"We expect enormous youth voter turnout on college campuses," Hawkins said.

"This is the year of the young voter."

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