Supporters say Clinton boxing imagery apt

ANDERSONVILLE, Ind., May 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's use of boxing ring imagery is appropriate, her supporters say, as she defies campaign watchers by refusing to throw in the towel.

Clinton, D-N.Y., is called tough by her supporters but her detractors caller her a dirty fighter, The New York Times reported Monday.

In the days leading to Tuesday's Democratic primaries in North Carolina and Indiana, Clinton needled political experts for "counting me out," pledging to be in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination to the end.

"She makes Rocky Balboa look like a pansy," North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley said in endorsing her.

Countering the praise are opponents, particularly supporters of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who say she's "ruthless."

"She has learned how to be ruthless," said Robert Reich, an Obama supporter who served as secretary of Labor when her husband was president.

Her fighting words score points with people, particularly women, the Times reported.

"Would you want to take her on?" Barbara Anderson of Jeffersonville, Ind, asked the Times. "I'll tell you, she has survived her fight. Obama has yet to have his."