Obama's rise worries Clinton faithful

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CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- The rise of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, especially after his first-place showing in Iowa, has Hillary Clinton's backers expressing worry.

With the New Hampshire primary Tuesday, the senator from Illinois is overshadowing the New York senator and former first lady, sometimes drawing crowds double and triple the size of Clinton's on the stump.

"I'm really worried about him," Beverly Hollingworth, a member of the state's Executive Council and a former state senator, told the Washington Post. "Other people have been working their whole life for change, and have made good progress. This is just rhetoric."

Clinton touts her experience in her speeches; Obama calls for change.

"New Hampshire is pragmatic. I hear everyone talk about change, but we need a strong hand to get us back on track," said Ann Martin, who attended a Clinton rally last week. "New Hampshire isn't attracted by a flash in the pan."

Or not.

"Iowa has given us a shot in the arm and is making undecided voters take a look at Obama," said Jim Demers, a lobbyist from Concord advising Obama's state campaign. "But our plan was always to go out and win votes."