PLATTSBURGH -- Hillary Rodham Clinton doesn't mind being the North Country's salesperson.

And on Tuesday, area residents thanked her for playing a key role in helping to bring Akrimax Pharmaceuticals to Rouses Point and saving hundreds of jobs.

The company will operate out of the facility that currently houses Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which is closing after decades of being a cornerstone in the lakeside community.

ENERGY COSTS

While speaking to people outside the facility on Maple Street, the U.S. senator announced legislation that she and Rep. John McHugh (R-Pierrepont Manor) are pushing to provide assistance to more people in New York struggling with rising energy costs.

"We have been locked by Republicans," Clinton said, speaking with media representatives after Tuesday's event. "Hopefully, they will see people really need this help."

The legislation, which McHugh has introduced in the House and Clinton in the Senate, would raise the income level for fuel assistance, allowing more middle-class families to benefit. Clinton hopes to see the legislation approved by this September.

"We want to bring up the amount that can make you eligible; otherwise, we will see a lot of financial stress," Clinton said.

BRIGHT NEW DAY'

People packed the tent set up for Tuesday's event, many filling in around the edges to get a glimpse of the recent presidential candidate.

"Sen. Clinton, welcome home," said Garry Douglas of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

Douglas introduced Rouses Point Mayor George Rivers, who said the announcement by Wyeth in 2005 that it was closing was a "devastating blow."

"As a result of your efforts, Sen. Clinton, a bright new day has dawned on Rouses Point."

The North Country learned this past January that Akrimax would purchase the Wyeth facility, keep all 800 employees and continue to produce pharmaceuticals there.

"We are a resilient people here in the North Country, and we usually handle our own," said Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru). "The announcement of the closure of Wyeth was a bit too much, and we realized we couldn't solve this issue alone."