NY Primary Race Ramps Up with Clinton Visit to Purchase College

Chappaqua resident, former Senator and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make a campaign visit to Purchase College in Harrison on Thursday, 20 days before the New York presidential primary.

Her rival for the Democratic nomination, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, will also finish off March in New York -- with a trip to the Bronx.

The Republican candidates are also expected to make appearances in the state before the presidential primary April 19.

"I can't remember the last time New York mattered in a single presidential primary, much less two," said Republican consultant William F.B. O'Reilly. "The stakes are significant on both sides of the aisle. Bernie Sanders could get a huge momentum boost with a tighter-than-expected run here, and both John Kasich and Ted Cruz may be able to walk away with some delegates in Donald Trump's home state. There's little doubt that Trump will prevail here, but there's a sliver of a chance that lightning could strike here for Bernie Sanders. That's the race to watch."

Clinton and Donald Trump were the frontrunners in the state as the month kicked off, according to a Siena College poll.

Trump, who lives in Bedford and owns a golf course in Briarcliff, among several holdings in the region, has not announced any appearances in the Hudson Valley. He and Ohio Gov. John Kasich will appear at a GOP fundraiser in Manhattan April 14, The Journal News reported.

And while Clinton is the Democratic frontrunner, Sanders is campaigning seriously for New York's 247 delegates.

Local supporters are ramping up their efforts too.

Chappaqua Friends of Hill is training volunteers and running a phone bank.

Backers of Clinton across the Hudson River held a meeting Tuesday in Nyack, according to The Journal News.

Sanders supporters are meeting at the Harrison Library to plan strategy.

Sanders will be in the South Bronx Thursday. His event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Admission is first come, first served. Doors open at 3 p.m.

Clinton spoke in Harlem earlier Wednesday.

Clinton's appearance in Harrison starts at 1 p.m., and doors open at 11 a.m. Her campaign website says:

"She'll talk about why she is the best candidate to raise New Yorkers’ wages and incomes and break down the barriers that hold too many families back. It'll be fun, so get there early to make sure you get a good spot!"

PHOTO/By Barbara Kinney for Hillary for America