The next presidential election is more than three years away. But supporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gathered in Grand Rapids Monday night to encourage her to run.
Clinton headlined a big black tie dinner the Economic Club of Grand Rapids puts on every year. It was closed to the press.
Wyoming, Michigan resident Jennie Chatman joined about forty people gathered across the street from the event. “No, it’s never too early,” she said of the rally, “Politics usually starts when the day’s over.”
The group chanted “What do we want? Hillary! When do we want it? 2016!” and “H-R-C is for me!” as hundreds filed into DeVos Place, heading for the ballroom.
Chatman says she came to encourage Clinton to run and to show her gratitude for “her many years of great public service.”
The rally was organized by the Super PAC “Ready for Hillary.” The fundraising group formed in January and is not directly tied to Clinton.
3rd congressional district Democratic Party Chair Traci Kornak says Grand Rapids is becoming more “progressive.” She says the party’s grassroots here are “fired up” not only for the 2016 election, but the 2014 state elections as well.
“They’re more active than I’ve ever seen them,” Kornak said, particularly after the lame duck legislature pushed through right to work legislation in December.
“I think it is absolutely incredible that Clinton is here,” Kornak said, “She is not afraid to go anywhere and to lead with her values.”
