Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrived in Philadelphia Wednesday to meet with African American ministers and also to hold a fundraiser.
Clinton first paid a visit to Mother Bethel A.M.E. church in Society Hill where she spoke with African American ministers from across the country, including Mother Bethel’s reverend Mark Kelly Tyler. Clinton discussed criminal justice reform, jobs, equal pay and women’s health. Clinton also told the ministers, “I want to be your partner, not just your president.” Reverend Tyler told NBC10 Clinton has his support.
“I’m not saying that I’m voting for her just because she’s a woman but I’m certainly voting for her because she’s qualified, she’s capable, she’s ready to lead and the fact that she’s a woman is a plus,” Reverend Tyler said. “We need to diversify our country.”
After meeting with the ministers, Clinton attended a private fundraiser event at the Franklin Square Capital Partners building in South Philadelphia.
Clinton is currently locked in a tight contest in Monday’s Iowa caucuses with fellow Democratic presidential nominee Bernie Sanders. Both are hoping to be the nominee that democrats choose in six months at the Wells Fargo Center during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Tourism officials estimate a $300 million economic impact from the convention.
“We’re expecting anywhere from 35,000 to 50,000 attendees, “said Julie Coker-Graham of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).
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Mayor Jim Kenney told NBC10 the city is already planning for the event with the Secret Service and the FBI. He also said however it would be a much smaller event than the Papal visit last year.
“It’s not going to be a lockdown,” Kenney said. “As a matter of fact this is going to be an opportunity for our restaurants and our other night life and our other brew pubs and bars and restaurants to shine and make some money.”
