Clinton a factor, political women say

Most agree that time is right for female president

Anika Clark
Sentinel Staff

Women active in local politics offered mixed reactions to U.S. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton’s announcement of her 2008 presidential candidacy.

“I think that Hillary Clinton is smart, competent. She understands politics,” said state Sen. Molly Kelly, D-Keene, who said a female president “makes all the sense in the world.”

Citing growing political participation from women at local to international levels, Kelly said, “I certainly support that and find that very exciting.”

State Rep. Suzanne S. Butcher, D-Keene, said, “It’s time in our history” for a female president. And although not yet committing support to anyone, Butcher described Clinton as “a very strong candidate.”

Adding that Clinton has demonstrated her abilities in the U.S. Senate, Butcher said, “She listens to people. She’s articulate. She works well with her colleagues in the Senate, and I think that’s really important for getting things done.”

Connecticut senator pays visit, touches on Iraq, oil, tax cuts

Jake Berry
Sentinel Staff

CHARLESTOWN — Presidential hopeful Christopher J. Dodd doesn’t come with the fanfare of his more celebrated opponents.

But the Democratic senator from Connecticut is certainly recognizable to Cynthia L. Sweeney of Charlestown. The two went to elementary school together in the 1950s in West Haven, Conn.

“He never said anything back then about wanting to run for president,” Sweeney said Sunday, as she hosted Dodd for a meet-and-greet at her home. “He was a bit shy back then.”

Dodd, who declared his candidacy on Jan. 11, introduced himself to a crowd of about 25 area residents at Sweeney’s home Sunday morning. And he thanked each of them for playing an integral part in his campaign.

“What you’re doing here this morning here in Sullivan County … is you’re giving me a chance,” Dodd said. “I’m not as well known as some of the others. But … I think that if you give me a chance to make my case, I’ll make a good one, and I’ll be elected president.”

While Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York announced Saturday her much-anticipated campaign for the presidency, Dodd spent the weekend touring New Hampshire, pleading his case for the Oval Office.