Chelsea Clinton stumps for mother in Puerto Rico

Chelsea Clinton campaigned for her mother Tuesday in Puerto Rico, where the marathon race for the Democratic presidential nomination has brought new importance to a U.S. island that typically has scant say over national affairs.

With little more than a month to go before Puerto Rico's June 1 primary, the former first daughter toured the U.S. territory's capital of San Juan and shook hands with well-wishers, posed for snapshots and tried to charm voters on behalf of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

In the day's first campaign push, the 28-year-old met with roughly 250 senior citizens at a residence run by an order of Catholic nuns. She touted her mother's health care proposals and stressed her electability.

"I passionately believe my mother is the most prepared and is the strongest candidate," Clinton said.

The crowd appeared to be made up entirely of the Clinton faithful, including 78-year-old Annie Riera.

"It's very good that she came here to meet the Puerto Rican people firsthand. I'm proudly voting for her mother," said Riera, pointing to a campaign pin on her blouse.

Later Tuesday, Clinton toured the colonial district of Old San Juan. She also was scheduled to meet with a Christian youth group, followed by a visit to a gay rights organization. She refused questions from reporters.

Angel Urena, a spokesman for Hillary Clinton's campaign, said the young woman has been a strong asset for her mother in the tight race.

"In many respects, she has taken on the role as one of Senator Clinton's greatest advocates on the campaign trail," Urena said.

Her two-day visit comes roughly three weeks after her father, former President Clinton, stumped across the U.S. territory for his wife

In coming days, Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois are both expected to touch down in the Spanish-speaking U.S. territory, where local politics largely revolve around the island's relationship to the U.S. mainland.

Some analysts say Hillary Clinton's New York ties could strengthen her support in Puerto Rico and reduce Obama's lead in the overall popular vote. Puerto Ricans cannot vote in the general presidential election, but a high turnout is expected for the primary.

Puerto Rico has 63 delegate votes at the party's national convention in August.