Clinton backers plan big DNC effort

DENVER, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Vocal backers of former U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton say they are planning rallies and television ads during the Democratic National Convention.

The moves are coming even as the Democratic senator from New York is negotiating with the party's likely nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., on a plan to unify the party and find a role for her delegates at the convention, The Hill reported Monday.

The Washington newspaper said a recently formed organization called the Denver Group has filmed a pro-Clinton television commercial and is planning to run it soon. The group says response to its planned Aug. 26 reception is so good that its has booked a second room in Denver to accommodate the attendees.

Another group called 18 Million Voices, alluding to the roughly 18 million votes Clinton received during the Democratic presidential primary elections, says it is organizing Aug. 26 marches in Denver "and nationwide to support Senator Clinton and advocate for women's rights worldwide," the group's Web site says.

The Hill said Clinton believes the Democrats should adopt a strategy of recognizing her delegates at the convention because it would lead to a more unified party.