NC supporters make last pitch for presidential candidates

Supporters of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary marched through downtown Raleigh Sunday, part of a final push by candidates’ family members and others as North Carolina’s Tuesday primary approached.

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sanders’ opponent, visited A.B. Combs Elementary School and Shaw University Sunday. Former President Bill Clinton campaigned in Winston-Salem and Asheville and will be in Greenville on Monday.

And Rafael Cruz, father of Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, spoke Saturday in Greenville.

Laurie Mitchell, 34, of Raleigh organized the Sanders march, which had a relaxed feel. Some supporters planned to make telephone calls and go door-to-door for the candidate afterward.

The crowd snaked along three city blocks as supporters left Moore Square and passed through City Market, making their way to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and then to the Legislative Building.

An energetic group of students, teachers and parents greeted Chelsea Clinton at the Raleigh elementary school, playing live music and performing a number from “High School Musical.” Chelsea Clinton said she is campaigning for her mother because she has a 1-year-old daughter and a second child on the way.

Rafael Cruz spoke to a group at Greenville Christian Academy.

“Your vote does make a difference,” said Cruz, an evangelical pastor from Texas who has been traveling to speak on behalf of his son.

Staff writer Lynn Bonner contributed.

This story was originally published March 13, 2016 at 8:17 PM with the headline "NC supporters make last pitch for presidential candidates."