Clinton goes a-knocking

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Hillary Clinton went canvassing on the city's west side this afternoon, causing quite a stir on Montgomery Street, in a quiet neighborhood lined with modest Capes.

Following the senator was an entourage of four SUV's, a brigade of staffers, several members of the Secret Service, a handful of curious neighbors and about three dozen members of the press.

Her aides struggled to choreograph the mission, steering reporters clear of the creeping motorcade and the advancing candidate, who does not talk to reporters in such settings.

"I need you to move off the sidewalk," they would say, as reporters mushed through impressive snowbanks onto the road. "Okay, guys, we're moving!"

The first house she visited was the only one whose owners had been forewarned of her visit. It belonged to Patty and Rik Cornell, veteran Democratic activists and strong Clinton supporters.

"I think I made my mind up when her husband was president," Rik Cornell said with a laugh.

The pool report, provided by reporters who were allowed inside, said they spoke mostly about dog training.

Generally, Clinton met friendly folks along the trail here. Robert Guimond, 64, a retired drywall installer and a Democrat, shook hands with the senator and spoke with her briefly.

"Her husband is very good," he said. "I'm sure the wife would be the same thing."

Clinton lingered longest at the last house she visited, which belonged to Verna Pare, who lives there with her son, Kevin, his wife, Kimberly and their three children, Hannah, 10, Sarah, 8 and Joshua, 6. She spoke with the family about No Child Left Behind, crowded schools and renewable energy.

After she left, Kevin Pare, an undeclared voter and the owner of a small construction business who is considering Clinton and John Edwards, said the visit might have swayed his decision in her favor.

But he said he was also hoping Edwards might visit the family before Election Day.