MERILLVILLE, IND. — It was quintessential Americana: a group of robust firemen sitting atop a bright red fire engine, an oversize American flag backdrop and a country music soundtrack that included the likes of Tom Petty and the Dixie Chicks.

With scenes like this event at Merrillville Fire Station No.2 Monday, Hillary Clinton has shown many Indiana voters she can hit close to home in the Heartland.

“It has been a joy traveling across this state and meeting Hoosiers… from one end of this state to the other,” Clinton told the crowd. “And I am so impressed not only by the hospitality, not only by the resilience and the commitment to a positive future — but by the seriousness with which Hoosiers have approached this election.”

But Clinton wasn’t the only one giving praise in front of the hundreds of Northwestern Indiana residents that gathered in the fire station’s garage. Indiana Senator Evan Bayh — whom some have rumored is hoping to run as Clinton’s vice president should she receive the Democratic nomination — was doing some serious ass kissing.

“We’re about ready to adopt her,” Bayh said of Clinton and the time she has spent campaigning in Northwest Indiana, before handing over the microphone.

Bayh endorsed the candidate in September and has been helping her campaign in Indiana by acting as a surrogate speaker and making appearances with her.

Margaret Uzelack of Merrillville said she thinks the 50,000-75,000 Democrats who come out to vote for the primary in Lake County (where Merrillville is located) will take Bayh’s endorsement to heart at the polls.

But the other man behind the country’s first serious female presidential candidate is her husband. Some have mentioned Bill as a possible vice presidential candidate for his wife. Though some are concerned by it, many Hillary supporters are in favor.
“I think you get a two-for-one with them,” said Stacey Shudick, 29, of Merrillville. “You get the experience of Bill and the fresh ideas from Hillary.”
Others maintain that Hillary will run the show.
“She’s not going to take a backseat to her husband,” said Alyssa Hensley, 19, of St. John, Ind.
Hillary’s Monday speech was similar to Bill’s Friday talks in Lebanon and Greenfield — but half as long. Both cited the economy, education, healthcare and the war as pertinent issues. The candidate said she hopes to bring troops home from Iraq within 60 days of her inauguration.
But “jobs, jobs, jobs” was the main focus for both Clintons, who sympathized with the Midwest working class. Hillary said laying down the line on oil companies and “going after China” are part of her plan to improve the country’s economy.
“I do see you and I do hear you, and I know you’re doing the best you can under these circumstances,” Hillary said. “…If you go out and vote for me tomorrow, I will never forget you.”