:Vocalo.org

Indiana Is The Tie Breaker State

Indiana is now the “tie-breaker” state in the race to decide who will be the Democrats' choice for their presidential candidate in Election 2008. That means that Northwest Indiana’s residents will get many opportunities to see the Democratic candidates — Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama — in the run up to the May 6 primary.

Barack Obama has already been to Evansville — even before the results of the Pennsylvania primary were back. And, Hillary Clinton rallies today in Indianapolis.

Hillary Clinton’s campaign promises to have one member of the Clinton family somewhere in Indiana every day between now and May 6.

Both Democratic candidates have already made multiple visits to try to win over Indiana’s democratic party voters.

Barack Obama has been to South Bend and Gary. Michelle Obama visited Merrillville. Chelsea Clinton made an East Chicago trip and Hillary Clinton stopped at Hammond, Valparaiso and Crown Point.

The Indianapolis Star reports that Hillary Clinton will have made 15 Indiana visits to 12 cities by today.

Adding in Bill and Chelsea Clinton’s Indiana visits, the Clinton family has campaigned in 50 Hoosier cities and towns. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have campaigned 14 times Indiana, so far.

Reports the Indianapolis Star:

Presidential politics hasn’t been this intense in Indiana since 1968.

“Hang on, baby!” said former Indiana House Speaker John Gregg, a Democratic attorney from Sandborn.

Indiana, he said, will be getting a taste of what New Hampshire, which holds the nation’s first primary, experiences every four years. There, folks take it for granted that they’ll be able to judge the candidates in person.

“If you want to meet a Democrat running for president, you’re going to have your opportunity,” he said. “I’m as excited as a 6-year-old at Christmas.”

Hillary Clinton has already planned two Northwest Indiana events on Friday. A campaign stop in Gary, Indiana at 4 p.m. as well as a visit to East Chicago Central High School at 7 p.m.

Experts are predicting heavy voter turnout for this primary, so early voting is being stressed by both campaigns. About 43,000 people have already cast early ballots, reports the Associated Press.