JUNCTION CITY, Ore. - The sun was barely up. Most people were sleeping, but not some Hillary Clinton supporters.

They were ready to rally, and it was barely 7 a.m. Some had voted many times. Others will have to wait a few more years.

"I want Hillary to be the next president because she has experience and she'd also be the first girl president," said 9-year-old Bill Gorham.

After several hours in the crisp sunshine. The wait was over and the man of the hour made his Junction City debut: former President Bill Clinton campaigning on behalf of his wife in advance of the May 20 primary.

The mission: invite rural Oregonaians to support Hillary's campaign.

"I think it matters what happens in rural America," said Clinton. "I think it matter what happens in rural Oregon."

The crowd of more than 600 broke out in huge applause when Bill Clinton said if elected, his wife would bring back county payments and re-new the partnership where the federal government helps local government hire more law enforcement officials.

"She believes that it's imperative to start these county payments again," said Clinton. "It's awful the way the federal government allowed them to lapse."

President Clinton talked about health care. He talked about education. He talked about sustainable energy. And he said he really wants Oregonians to know that they do matter in this election. Did he connect with the voters?

"What Bill says was a good speech," said Mary Graves. "It's exactly how I feel in my heart."

"I was very impressed," said Leslie Berry. "I was planning on voting for Hillary before. But, now I'm planning on campaigning for her too."

Almost as soon as he started, Bill Clinton wrapped up his speech, shook some hands and hit the campaign trail running once again.