YPSILANTI - The advertised policy focus of President Clinton's address at Eastern Michigan University yesterday didn't stop speakers and audience members from turning the event into a campaign rally for Clinton and Michigan Democrats.
"I came in expecting it was going to be a fairly sedate speech situation - then Carl Levin decided it was going to be a rally," said U.S. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor), about U.S. Sen. Levin who is running for re-election.
Clinton spoke at an EMU seminar to promote female business entrepreneurs. In introducing the president, Levin hailed Rivers, Clinton and the White House policy accomplishments Clinton later cited in his address.
Levin thanked Clinton for providing Michigan with "good-paying secure jobs, quality affordable, portable health care," community policing and a ban on assault weapons.
"We in Michigan have seen your hard work pay off," Levin said.
Clinton packed more policy than rhetoric into his speech before a gym filled with 5,000 students, business owners and supporters.
"I want every person in America to have a chance to live out their dreams if they're responsible enough to work for it," Clinton said.
Clinton announced the extension and launch of two programs designed to boost opportunities and support for small business.
The expansion of the Small Business Administration's Women's Prequalifi-cation Pilot Loan Program is designed to team women and experts nationwide to aid in starting or expanding of private businesses owned by women. The program has been tested in select cities.
The president also announced a merger between modern technology, business and government with the creation of the Angel Capital Electronic Network. ACE-Net's postings "match small business with potential investors," Clinton said. The network participants acting as mentors for entrepreneurs may include state universities.
Clinton credited Levin and Rivers for supporting legislation promoting small business and equal opportunity.
Clinton's visit to Rivers' district six days before the election was to boost the incumbent, who is running a close race against Republican Joe Fitzsimmons.
Rivers said Clinton's only advice to her for the homestretch was to "work hard."
The president praised the small business owners who told stories of struggling to build companies with the help of loans and education grants.
"We wouldn't be here today if we'd all been told 'You're on your own,'" Clinton said.
The president's stop in Ypsilanti surprised locals and candidates after rumors spread last week that Clinton may try to recreate his late-night 1992 rally on the steps of Rackham.
"There was tremendous competition for where the president was going to go in Michigan," Rivers said in her speech. "Every other school in this state is green with envy."
Tina Schroedr, an EMU senior, said social work students planning to attend the event were surprised that Clinton chose to speak.
"(Organizers) just asked for anyone from his cabinet (for the speech), and he chose to come," Schroedr said.
JOE WESTRATE/Daily
Clinton addresses members of Eastern Michigan University yesterday.