Clinton headlines Ind. Dem fundraiser

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Former President Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker Saturday night at the Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner.  For the former President it was his first time back in Indiana since campaigning for his wife Hillary during her presidential run.

The speech marked Clinton's return to Indiana after making dozens of campaign stops in the state last year on behalf of his wife Hillary as she faced Obama in the presidential primary. He recalled his Indiana campaigning, telling the 1,500 people at the dinner that he loved it all.

The night began with a meal, and opening remarks from Congressman Andre Carson.

They were more than ready to see, and hear, from the former president, but first they heard from Senator Evan Bayh.  During his speech, the Indiana Senator took shots at Republicans, and praised the work of President Barack Obama.

"After 8 long years George Bush is no longer in the Whitehouse," Sen. Bayh remarked. "By the end of this year we expect to pass legislation that will guarantee people in this state and in this country affordable health care."

 Then came the moment the audience waited hours for, as President Clinton took the stage.

Clinton told the crowd that he was proud of Indiana Democrats for helping elect President Obama into office.

He vigorously defended President Barack Obama, telling Indiana Democrats that Obama has done what was needed to spark the economy. He also said he was behind the President Obama's economic stimulus package.

"If I was elected when he was elected, I would have done the same thing," Clinton told the crowd.

Organizers said 1,500 people purchased tickets for Saturday night's event. Each ticket was $125 with all of that money going to the Democratic Party.

The former President walked the crowd of Democrats through the rise and fall, and rise again, of the Democratic Party.  He ended his speech with words of encouragement, "We Democrats have to say you gave us the ball, now it's time to run with it."

Clinton also said while concerns about the growing federal deficit are legitimate, Obama has had to "build a bridge over troubled waters," with the economic stimulus package and the rescue plan for General Motors and Chrysler.