Hillary Clinton: Remain a model for how democracy works

The most recent in a succession of Democratic heavyweights to stump on behalf of Minnesota political candidates told a young St. Paul crowd that their state should continue its political successes as an example of effective democracy.

"What you have accomplished in the years since our terrible economic crisis is a real model. Now the rest of us want to see what else you can do because we're looking for models. We're looking to see what works," Hillary Clinton told the crowd of 2,000 mostly Macalester College students who waited for hours in a line that snaked across campus.

"The states are great laboratories of democracy. We should be learning what works and what doesn't. Minnesota is at the top of the list."

The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state visited the Macalester campus in St. Paul, playing to an enthusiastic and friendly crowd that clamored for selfies afterward. It was the second rally in three days in support of DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and Sen. Al Franken, who face re-election challenges from Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson and businessman Mike McFadden, respectively. Afterward, she headlined a private fundraiser for Dayton, co-hosted by Franken and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, where tickets ranged from $150 to $2,500.

But Minnesota Republicans fired back in response to Clinton's visit, calling her an example of botched leadership.

"Hillary Clinton was the driving force of the failed Obama-Franken foreign policy agenda," said Keith Downey, chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota. "Americans are worried about their safety and security while Al Franken and President Obama continue to lead from behind."

Clinton, widely considered a favorite for the 2016 presidential nomination, visited St. Paul on the same day another potential presidential contender, Vice President Joe Biden, visited Duluth and Hibbing to tout domestic violence prevention measures and to campaign for U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, who is in a tough race against GOP challenger Stewart Mills in the Eighth District. Their visit followed a Tuesday rally by First Lady Michelle Obama. Former President Bill Clinton preceded his spouse during a visit to the University of Minnesota earlier this month.

"Get out the vote. We cannot afford to lose this race. It's important," Biden implored the crowd at Hibbing Community College, estimated by the Nolan campaign at over 600.

Though Hillary Clinton made no mention of a presidential run, Dayton wasn't shy about Clinton's prospects when he spoke, emphasizing the need to maintain DFL control of the Minnesota Legislature and governor's office.

"I supported Hillary Clinton's run for presidency in 2008, and I hope I have the opportunity to do so in 2016," he said to wild cheers.

Distinguishing herself from Michelle Obama's earlier speech, which focused on the urgency of the elections and the need for early voting, Clinton spent most of her time touting the state's marquee Democratic candidates and accusing Republicans of ignoring what she called Minnesota's economic resurgence and socially progressive legislation.

"This is a great story, and it's a story that is the best kind of story because it's based on the truth. It actually happened," she said. "What a novel idea that voters would be making decisions based on evidence, not scare tactics and negative television ads."

"She really has the power to change the world, especially for women's rights," Hawkins said. "She does have a platform where she can end stereotypes about women in power."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Abby Simons • 651-925-5043