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HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Hillary Clinton told an audience of union workers in Henderson that she's more than a single-issue candidate and can build on President Barack Obama's progress rather that diverting the country toward untested ideas.
The Democratic presidential hopeful's comments at a union hall on Saturday morning were a jab at her primary opponent Bernie Sanders, who favors a single-payer health care system over Obamacare and is riding a wave of momentum after strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire.
"My opponent wants to start all over again, throw us into a contentious national debate about a theory of coverage that would cost an enormous amount in taxes for every single American," Clinton told the crowd. "I want to make progress right now. I happen to think a progressive is someone who makes progress."
The rally served as a kick-off for a door-to-door canvassing effort one week before Nevada Democrats are headed to caucuses. Clinton has the endorsements of major labor groups but is trying to shore up support in Nevada as Sanders surges.
She painted herself as a candidate concerned about a range of issues, not just campaign finance and Wall Street — Sanders' primary focus.
"Not everything is about an economic theory, right?" Clinton said. "If we broke up the big banks tomorrow — and I will, if they deserve it, if they pose a systemic risk — would that end racism? Would that end sexism? Would that end discrimination against the LGBT community?"
Backers at the rally said they've known Clinton to be a longtime friend of unions and want to return the favor.
"What sets her apart is her history," said 50-year-old Henderson resident Lydia DelRio, a member of the AFSCME union. "She's always been supportive of the unions so I know her name and I know her record."
Others said they thought Clinton was more likely to succeed in the White House.
"Personally, I like Bernie. I like his ideas. I don't think they're realistic," said Las Vegas resident Chris Lloyd, 53, a member of the painter's union. "I think Hillary is more in tune with what it takes to get things done."
Sanders was also campaigning in Nevada on Saturday. He met with laid-off rooftop solar workers in northern Nevada and spoke at a progressive summit at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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