Later, in a private meeting with 40 to 50 of Hillary Clinton's most prominent supporters in Pennsylvania, the former president was expected to rally the faithful, "to brief them on her presidential campaign," and "energize them" for the organizational work to be done ahead of the Keystone state's primary in April, said Mark Nevins, Pennsylvania communications director for the Clinton campaign.
Among those invited to the private session are Gov. Rendell, Mayor Nutter, Pennsylvania state Democratic Party Chairman, T.J. Rooney, and other high-profile supporters, said Nevins, who described the meeting as "the kick-off of the Clinton campaign in Pennsylvania."
Rendell and Nutter reiterated their support for Hillary Clinton - no matter how she does in Ohio and Texas - at a press conference this morning on economic development at the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in Center City before leaving for the meeting with Bill Clinton.
Rendell would not say whether he thinks Hillary Clinton should quit if she loses both of the primaries. For the record, he doesn't think she will. "That's a decision for the campaign to make," he said. Losses would, however, take away "one of the central arguments of the campaign," that she has carried all the big states. Support there will be essential this fall.
"I think you'll find the campaign will take a good hard look on Wednesday morning if they lose," Rendell said. No matter what, he said he'll continue to support Sen. Clinton and work to convince constituents to do the same. He thinks her poll numbers will bounce back in Pennsylvania after wins in Ohio and Texas. "I think this is a good state for her," he said.
Nutter said he remians a "steadfast supporter" and he will work for Clinton in Philadelphia and the state. "That's just the way I am," he said.
