August 2 , 2007 issue
Hillary Impresses Group at Westglow
Story by Kathleen McFadden
The staff at Westglow Resort and Spa added extra chairs to accommodate last-minute signups for Senator Hillary Clinton’s fundraiser in Blowing Rock last Saturday. A staff member estimated attendance at 75 to 80 people, all of whom paid a minimum of $2,300 to attend the function.
Guests began arriving at 4:30 p.m., and Clinton arrived at the resort at about 6:20. After Clinton’s 20-minute speech, guests formed a receiving line to meet the senator and have the opportunity to be photographed with her.
According to a Westglow staffer, security was tight and included Westglow personnel stationed at exits, deputies from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and Secret Service personnel. No one was permitted to enter or leave the mansion once Clinton arrived, and all the guests had to wait until the senator left before they could leave.
Secret Service members arrived at the resort days ahead of the event to check safety features and access.
Former State Representative Pinky Hayden and her husband Tom Carpenter attended the fundraiser.
Carpenter said, “Having heard comments that Senator Clinton was cold or aloof, I was surprised by her warm, cordial personality and her ready accessibility. She showed true leadership qualities.”
Hayden concurred: “Contrary to a lot of people’s perceptions, I found her to be warm and approachable—and far more attractive than her television image.”
Hayden said that Clinton discussed a range of issues during her speech, including the war in Iraq, healthcare, education, the economy and the environment. “She was interrupted seven or eight times with applause,” Hayden said, “and the energy in that room was incredible. A number of people left very emotional. It was a very positive experience.”
Hayden said that although she already knew that Clinton was “gifted intellectually,” Saturday’s event enhanced her appreciation for Clinton’s grasp of the issues facing the United States.
“She’s far better qualified than any candidate running,” Hayden said, “and she confirmed my vote for sure. I really believe she has the understanding of the issues and the leadership ability to establish a new paradigm in this country and get us away from the old paradigm of fear and scarcity. That gives me hope.”
Democrats were not the only attendees at Saturday’s fundraiser. According to Hayden, some Republicans were in the audience as well.
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