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Former U.S. President Bill Clinton made an appearance in Happy Valley on March 27 to speak to a crowd of 7,000 in Penn State's Rec Hall. Clinton told the audience he would be endorsing Hillary, even if they were not married.

"I'm supporting Hillary because she is the best candidate I have ever had the chance to support. I can promise you that if she is elected president, she will bring more prosperity than when I was president. It will be better, I can tell you that," said Clinton.

His speech swayed some audience members to support Hillary, while others' opinions were simply reinforced. Penn State graduate student Qais Al Khazraji says he likes Hillary particularly because of her policies for Iraq.

"Especially because I'm from Iraq, I like her policies for the future of Iraq, and for the future of America," said Al Khazraji. "We like her."

But the Clinton campaign's attempt at rallying Happy Valley appeared unimpressive after Senator Obama drew a crowd three times the size, just three days later. Over 22,000 packed Penn State's Old Main lawn-a record turnout, according to State College Mayor Bill Welch. He says the high level of political energy is no surprise, given the nature of the two candidates vying for the nomination.

"The intense competition between two groups who have not previously been nominated, or won the White House-an African-American and a woman-in-and-of-itself helps to keep the pot boiling and the level of interest very high," Welch said.

"I'm meeting people who are Republicans who are here to see Senator Obama-I think that says an awful lot," Cahir said.

The wave of political energy that is sweeping across the country, and here in Pennsylvania, is a phenomenon among young voters that State College Borough Council President Elizabeth Goreham applauds.

"I have not seen this level of enthusiasm ever. Well, actually for about 40 years since John F. Kennedy ran," Goreham said. "I have heard stories all over the county of Penn State students working day and night. They have registered thousands! It is expected that by the time of the Pennsylvania primary, Centre County will be majority Democratic."

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State website, there are now 39,963 Democrats, 36,987 Republicans and 13,162 third-part voters in Centre County. These numbers have surpassed county history, marking the most registered voters ever-and the first time Centre County has been "blue" in more than 30 years.

Cahir attributes the changing demographics to students who are first-time voters and to those who have switched their party affiliation.

Republican Senator Jake Corman of Pennsylvania's 34th District says the figures are also based on the fact that the Democratic nomination is still sought after, while Senator John McCain has already been unofficially named the Republican Party nominee.

"The fact that the Democratic primary has gone on a lot longer than normal has gotten people's interest up which is a very, very good thing. It's important that we're all involved, and you can see that by the voter registration," said Corman.

Many see the outpour of political activism as a result of the United State's current state-of-affairs.

"People don't like the way this country is headed and they don't like the place we're in now," Cahir said.

Key issues that are proving to be significant factors in this election include energy dependence, the economy, healthcare coverage and the war in Iraq.

"People are listening more to what the political candidates are saying, not just the slogans," Corman said.

But with all of the buzz surrounding the battle for the Democratic nomination, where do Centre County Republicans fit in?

Penn State student groups like "Students for McCain" and "College Republicans" have been organizing support at weekly meetings, strategizing campaign tactics to counter the college's large liberal base. President of Penn State's College Republicans, Alex Smith, said the lack of enthusiasm for the Republican Party is no reason for concern.

"College campuses are traditionally liberal, so I'm not surprised ours is slightly breaking for Obama, who is especially popular among college kids," said Smith. "It should be more balanced in the general election once there is a greater spotlight on us and once people find out what Obama is actually for, beyond just change and hope."

Similarly, chairman of Penn State Students for McCain, John Dandrea, said the surge in registered Democrats will prove insignificant during the general election. He says Democrats have nothing to get excited over, despite the fact that one-third of all newly registered Democrats are Republicans who switched parties.

"You have to look at the context of all this. The Republican primary right now is effectively uncontested...so many Republicans have decided it would be in their best interest to influence the outcome of the Democratic Party. Many of them have changed their registration from Republican to Democrat not because they changed their beliefs or ideologies, but because they feel their vote will be more effective in deciding a contested election in our favor," Dandrea said.

VOICES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Conservative pundit Ann Coulter on Hillary Clinton and the state of the Republican party:

State Sen. Jake Corman, a Republican, predicts how voters will cast their ballots in his 34th District:

State College Mayor Bill Welch, a Democrat, predicts how Centre County voters will cast their ballots:

ELECTION DAY

Weeks of campaigning around Pennsylvania culminated on April 22nd and brought out a record number of voters. In an informal exit poll, a majority of State College residents reported that they cast their ballots for "change," above all else.

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