Clinton, Obama to attend Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner

Clinton, Obama to attend party dinner in Indy

By Scott Thien
Indianapolis Star

They may be campaign opponents, but next month Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama will be dinner party buddies.

Sort of.

Spokesman for the two Democratic presidential contenders announced Tuesday that the campaign rivals both will appear at Indiana's annual Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner.

The May 4 dinner in Indianapolis honors the two men considered the founders of the Democratic Party, Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson.

The guest speaker for the sold-out event will be Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean. The event will begin with a VIP reception at 4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Indianapolis Westin, followed by the dinner at 6 p.m. in the Sagamore Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center.

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker said the joint appearance will provide an excellent opportunity for both senators to make a final appeal to voters just two days before Indiana’s primary.

“There is no denying the excitement that Hoosier Democrats are feeling right now, and this will only add to the enthusiasm as we look to the May 6th primary and beyond,” Parker said in a statement.

“(Sen. Clinton) is excited to have the chance to meet with hundreds of party activists and supporters from around the state, and speak with them about her plans to tackle this tough economy, fight for Hoosier jobs and restore the middle class,” said Robby Mook, the State Director of Hoosiers for Hillary, in a statement. “The Jefferson-Jackson dinner is a long tradition for Hoosier Democrats and one that Senator Clinton looks forward to being a part of this year.”

Mitch Stewart, Indiana State Director for Obama for America, said in a statement: “Senator Obama looks forward to the opportunity to talk to Hoosiers about his plans to deliver change Indiana voters can believe in — delivering universal health care, turning around our economy and bringing our combat troops home from Iraq.”