Clinton promises Democrats she'll help them retake the House

WASHINGTON, June 22 (UPI) -- At a meeting Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Hillary Clinton promised House Democrats she would help them recapture the majority.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told those in attendance she would focus on all 50 states as she campaigns in the general election.

An attendee noted Clinton said "We need to unify the country," on her first trip to Capitol Hill since becoming the presumptive nominee. She added, though, that battleground states will get the most attention, noting, "I mean, I've been to Ohio three times."

Clinton offered to "do everything to help. She said, 'I want the House,'" Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., said after the meeting, which was closed to the press.

Republicans in the House currently outnumber Democrats 247-188, and all 435 seats will be contested in November.

Clinton also spoke about her role in unifying the Democratic Party in 2008 after a bitter primary battle with eventual nominee and President Barack Obama, saying she was urged by supporters to continue opposing Obama, but ultimately stepped aside.

"It's about House Democrats taking back the House, taking back the Senate. It's not just about her, it's about all of us," commented Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., after the meeting.

Clinton was invited to speak to the members of Congress by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif.

"When Hillary Clinton enters the Oval Office, she will do so as one of the best prepared people in history, by dint of her experience, her knowledge, her judgment, her strategic thinking, her communication with the American people," Pelosi said. "She will do so with her full commitment to values for America's working families, uniting our country.

"It was an honor for us all to be with her, our caucus was thrilled as you can see they won't let her go."

Speaking afterward, several Democrats noted Becerra has been rumored as a potential vice presidential nominee for Clinton and pushed for their colleague to be considered.

Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., who came into Congress the same year as Becerra, said he hoped Clinton was considering Becerra for a place on the ticket.

"This guy is my classmate," Clyburn said, with his arms around Becerra. "If he's not being vetted, I hope he is."