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KENNESAW - Former president Bill Clinton swung through Cobb County last night on behalf of his wife, Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton spoke to students and campaign supporters before a standing room only crowd in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Kennesaw State University, challenging the thousands in attendance to cast their vote for a woman he says could "rebuild the American dream."

"If we'd never been married, I would still be here for her tonight knowing what I know," Clinton said. "I think she's the most qualified candidate."

The former president hit the highlights of his wife's campaign during his hour long speech, including restoring the middle class, universal health care and education.

The loudest crowd response came when Clinton brought up President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" policy. Clinton said his wife would do away with the policy and vows to raise education standards. Clinton joked that discussing the policy was his only surefire way to get applause.

"I tell you, they didn't mean to do this. They just wrote a law about education without ever talking to teacher or principals," he said to laughter in the crowd.

He also briefly touched on the U.S. mortgage crisis, adding that his wife would pass a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for responsible homeowners. Clinton reasoned the hold would reverse the mortgage meltdown, despite costing Americans $30 billion.

"It would cost you $30 billion, but wouldn't you rather spend $30 billion and keep 2 million people in their homes," he said.

Ms. Clinton is pitted against Sen. Barack Obama in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Friday's visit to the traditionally Republican territory marks the kickoff of the last weekend before Super Tuesday.

One vote already won by the presidential hopeful in the state of Georgia is that of Allison Barnes Salter, daughter of former Gov. Roy Barnes. Ms. Barnes Salter introduced the former president.

"Although children are a small part of our population, they're 100 percent of our future," she said. "She understands the importance of taking care of our children and building a strong foundation for the future."

Not everyone in the crowd was swayed by Clinton's message, however. Dr. Robert Desmon, a professor in management and entrepreneurship, said he would have liked to hear more about Ms. Clinton's foreign trade policies before he makes up his mind.

"I thought it was good that he addressed the economy, but I wished he had addressed foreign trade more," he said. "I'm still undecided on my vote but I think he made a very positive contribution to her campaign."

Julie Bare, of Porterdale, said this was her second time hearing Bill Clinton speak and she supported the Clinton camp.

"I am going to vote for Hillary," she said. "She seems to know what she's doing and I think she has the experience."

Former president for Kennesaw State University Dr. Betty Siegel said the evening, in all, was very interesting.

"This continues the tradition of people coming together to have courageous conversations," she said. "These opportunities are important, not only for what is said, but for the conversations afterwards."

tmollett@mdjonline.com

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