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By: Teddy Paynter - teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org, Staff Writer See more articles by Teddy Paynter Published: 04/11/2008

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The Medical Leader / COURTESY OF DUSTY LAYNE

STUMPING IN PIKEVILLE: More than 3,000 fans packed the East Kentucky Exposition Center on April 3 to hear former President Bill Clinton stump for his wife, Hillary, a Democratic candidate for president.

PIKEVILLE — Former President Bill Clinton’s visit to Pikeville was a stump speech for wife — and Democratic Presidential candidate — Hillary Clinton. Topics of interest ranged from energy independence to jobs.

“We need to be energy efficient in this country,” Clinton told the more than 3,000 that gathered on April 3 at the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center.

Clinton said the nation’s current economic crisis is a major concern and that coal can play a big role in the stabilization process.

“Clean coal can turn this country around,” Clinton said. “We can’t walk away from coal and its importance to our future in America.”

Clinton added learning to turn coal into a major part of the country’s fuel source is something that needs immediate attention.

“We need to focus our attention on clean coal technology technology,” he said. “This can create new jobs for the people of Kentucky and West Virginia.”

He stressed that the country needed to find ways to produce clean coal and preserve the environment at the same time.

Pike County Judge- Executive Wayne T. Rutherford said the region had the coal needed to boost the nation’s economy and help in reducing high-rising gasoline prices.

“We have the resources this country needs right here in the communities of eastern Kentucky,” Rutherford said. “The people in our region understand how to mine coal and do it safely.”

Clinton also addressed the crowd on health care issue.

“Health care is something that needs to be addressed,” Clinton said. “There are too many families who don’t have the coverage they need,” he said.

He also touched on the war in Iraq, saying it was time to begin troop withdrawals.

On a lighter note, Clinton told the gathering he was glad to be in the hometown of former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton.

The former president visited Kentucky eight times during Patton’s days in Frankfort.

“He (President Clinton) is one of the greatest Americans of our lifetime,” Patton said. “He carried the burden of the world during his time in office.”

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