Joyce Lightner, a social studies teacher at the school and an African-American, said she is supporting Clinton because she seems like a fighter.
"It's nice to see a female running and an African-American running," Lightner said. "But as far as my decision goes, I'm making it on the issues and how they present themselves."
About 3,500 people crowded into the school gym and an auxiliary gym, according to one police estimate, a larger crowd than was expected. Those who didn't make it into the gym crowded hallways and the school lobby, craning their necks for a glimpse of the candidate.
While the crowd was filled with loud and eager Clinton supporters, some said they remained undecided. Barbara Meagher, who sat in the bleachers, said she was a member of a Nurses for Hillary group last fall and even made calls to Iowa voters.
But then her colleagues began talking up the other candidates, her 29-year-old daughter became a volunteer for the Obama campaign, and Meagher, 56, quit the group. Yesterday, Meagher said she was impressed with Clinton's ideas and with the enthusiasm of the crowd - her daughter had given her the impression that Obama had a monopoly on passionate followers.
Still, she was undecided. "These are two good candidates that I'd love to see on the same ticket," she said.
stephen.kiehl@baltsun.com john.fritze@baltsun.com
