Published: February 26, 2008 10:44 am      

Chelsea Clinton stumps for mom

San Marcos continues to draw attention as state's primaries approach

San Marcos — Chelsea Clinton and a surprise guest were in San Marcos Monay to gather support for her mother's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“I hope you are continuing to talk to your friends, your family and your peers about why you each believe my mom is the leader that we need and deserve in our country,” Clinton told a crowd of approximately 100 people who filled the Hays County Courthouse rotunda.

The event was supposed to be held outside the courthouse, but was moved inside because of high winds.

Following a brief introduction and monologue, Clinton fielded questions from the crowd for approximately 45 minutes. Accompanying her was Hollywood actor Sean Astin, who is best known for his role in The Goonies, Rudy and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Astin, who called himself a political junkie, recently announced his official endorsement of Hillary Clinton. San Marcos was his first of four planned stops in Texas.

Astin said the first time he saw Clinton speak was when she was stumping for her husband during the Clinton-Gore campaign. He called her “electrifying” and that she held the crowd in the palm of her hand. He said he told his wife after Hillary Clinton's speech, “That woman's going to be president of the U.S. There's no question in my mind.”

He said Clinton is more passionate and experienced than her Democratic opponent Barack Obama. He said whatever issue a voter cares about, Clinton has the ability to “move the pieces forward.”

“I think that a second term or two of Clinton is the best thing that the country can have,” Astin said.

The aim of Chelsea Clinton's visit was to engage the audience in a dialogue and answer questions about her mother's stance on issues. Questions from the audience ranged from gay rights to the abuse of presidential powers.

“My concern is President Bush has set a precedent of abusing presidential powers,” one audience member said. “I was wondering how does Hillary feel about the Patriot Act and line-item vetoes? How does she interpret the power she would have if elected?”

“Well number one, she supports the Constitution,” Chelsea Clinton responded.

She said her mother believes in more congressional oversight and a “real system” of checks and balances.

Preceding the question and answer session with Astin and Clinton was a brief introduction from Jehmu Greene, Clinton supporter and former Rock the Vote president.

“I support Clinton because for the past three decades she has unwaivered in her support for the voiceless, for the most vulnerable and for communities that need the most help in the country,” she said. “As a Texan, I'm so proud for the first time in 48 years, Texas has the ability to decide who the democratic nominee for president is.”

She said in her 14-year political career, she has never seen a campaign cause such enthusiasm among young people. She said if young voters are looking for a candidate that will represent them, Clinton should be their choice, not Obama. She said Clinton has the resources and the experience to solve issues such as rising college tuition costs.

“It's so important to speak to your peers and tell them Barack Obama does not have a monopoly on the youth vote,” Greene said. “I've met young people around this country who are making the decision not with just with their hearts, but with their minds.”

Early voting in Texas ends Friday. Voters will have a last opportunity to vote March 4.