Clinton went to Flint, Mich., and brought back endorsements

FLINT, Mich., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Flint, Mich., ahead of the New Hampshire primary last week has paid off in endorsements from community leaders.

"I thank God for Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Flint, Michigan," said the Rev. Al Harris in a statement issued by the Clinton campaign on Monday. "She didn't use the 'water crisis' as a platform to further her political agenda. I was overwhelmed by her sincere love and compassion for the people of Flint, as she pledged her full support in doing everything it takes to make our fractured community whole."

Harris, along with the Rev. Hubert Miller and Bishop Roger L. Jones Sr. endorsed Clinton Monday morning.

Clinton made a stop in Flint two days before the New Hampshire primary. Speaking at the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church, she called on Congress to push through an emergency funding bill to repair Flint's water system.

"This has to be a national priority," she told those in attendance. "What happened in Flint is immoral."

"Her voice was more than that of a politician," Harris said of Clinton, "it was the voice of a humanitarian."

Clinton's campaign also asked campaign volunteers to help the Red Cross or United Way to distribute water in Flint instead of canvassing for votes. She called on President Barack Obama to issue a Medicaid waiver to Michigan to allow Flint residents under 21 to receive universal Medicaid coverage.

Flint's lead-tainted water has created a public health crisis that has affected at least 8,000 children under the age of 6. While Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., has also condemned state officials for failing to act, and has even called for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to resign, he has not paid a visit to the city.

"No other candidates have shown their presence during this entire water crisis that we are facing," Jones said in the statement.

Sanders has two Michigan stops scheduled for Monday, neither are in Flint.