Big turnout for Clinton visit

BERLIN, N.H. -- As many as 500 people turned out to see New York Senator Hillary Clinton during her first political trip here on Saturday, among the largest campaign gatherings in the state's sparsely populated North Country.

Just days before last fall's election, Senator John McCain drew a crowd of about 300 at the Berlin V.F.W. Hall.

The only crowd that was larger for a North Country political event in recent memory was a campaign rally by then President George H.W. Bush as was seeking re-election.

"This is a very big deal for Berlin," said Mayor Bob Danderson. "The last thing to cause this much commotion was when Berlin High when to the state championship for hockey last year."