Clinton, Obama campaigns working Valley all the way to primary

Former President Bill Clinton will take the stage at Dean Porter Park today, rallying for his wife's campaign as Texas prepares for Tuesday's primary.

Clinton is scheduled to speak at 1:15 p.m. at the park, in the plaza between the Ringgold Pavilion and Children's Museum.

This is Clinton's second visit to Brownsville. His first was in 1998, during his own campaign for the presidency.

Today, he'll stump for his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Sen. Barack Obama was in Brownsville Friday for his second Valley visit, a private meeting with 200 Hispanic clergy from across the state. He made an unexpected stop at Sombrero Fest after briefly greeting students at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, where the prayer meeting took place.

Hillary Clinton also visited the Rio Grande Valley twice in the last month, including a stop at UTB-TSC for an outdoor rally that drew an estimated 5,000 supporters.

Obama's campaign staff was also busy Friday, with a news conference scheduled also at 1:15 p.m. to announce new endorsements for the senator.

According to Obama's press representative, Carlos Odio, a group of 12 Valley leaders will announce their support for Obama , "citing his ability to bring Americans together to choose the future over the past and bring real change to Washingon."

State Rep. Eddie Lucio III will join the group of mayors and city commissioners at the Obama field office, 305 E. Elizabeth St., for their announcement.

According to a campaign news release, Mayor Pat Ahumada, Jr., city commissioners Charlie Atkinson and Edward Camarillo are among those announcing their backing for the candidate.

Former City Commissioner Ernesto De Leon, former Mayors Ygnacio "Nacho" Garza, Eddie Treviño and Blanca Vela are also listed as is County Commissioner David Garza, Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa and Harlingen's former Mayor Randy Whittington, city comissioners Heriberto "Eddie" Medrano and Frank Puente.