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June 4, 2008

Top R.I. Clinton supporters coalesce behind Obama

Several high-placed Rhode Island supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign said today they are ready to support Sen. Barack Obama, who clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday.

Three major Clinton supporters, William Lynch of Pawtucket, the Democratic state chairman and brother of Attorney General Patrick Lynch, an Obama supporter; Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, all showed up Tuesday night at an Obama victory event attended by more than 100 supporters of the Illinois senator at the Local 121 Restaurant in downtown Providence.

"We are all good Democrats,'' said Lynch. "We have to put the good of the country before personal feelings.''

Lynch said he and other Clinton supporters are ready to begin working for Obama in an attempt to forge a unified Democratic campaign.

"It isn't as easy as switching on a light switch, there are feelings involved,'' said Lynch. ``It was a hard-fought race. But for most of us this will be a seamless transition. I intend to work as hard as I can for him.''

Said Roberts, "I'm much happier when Democrats are united than when they are divided.''

"I think we have the opportunity to take the excitement of both the Clinton and Obama campaigns and use that excitement to build a campaign that elects a Democratic president,'' she said.

Cicilline said he will "do anything they (Obama campaign) asks...campaigning, raising money, talking to other mayors, whatever it takes.''

"I think he'll be a great president,'' said Cicilline. "I think that whatever our differences they are small in comparison to the huge differences between their (Republican) nominee and our nominee.''

Lynch said there will be party unity because there are not major differences on issues between Obama and Clinton. "They are the same on most issues,'' said Lynch.

-- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Scott MacKay  at 4:41 PM | Permalink

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Posted by: marylou at June 5, 2008 5:44 AM

Posted by: Bob at June 5, 2008 8:25 AM

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