Tommy Irvin, Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture, will be the guest speaker at an event Saturday aimed at "getting out the vote" for Sen. Hillary Clinton, a Democratic candidate for president.

Beth Hand, 9th Congressional District captain for the Clinton campaign, said a group of local Democrats is holding the rally at noon Saturday in the atrium at the Hunt Tower in downtown Gainesville.

Hand noted that other speakers also could be at the event, which is open to the public. Hand said people from surrounding counties also are expected to attend, as the rally is a regional event.

Hand said Clinton supporters will be able to pick up yard signs and bumper stickers at the event. She also said that volunteers are needed to help with a phone bank later Saturday afternoon at the law offices of Joe Diaz.

The callers, Hand said, will be urging area folks to vote for Clinton in Tuesday’s presidential primary.

While Hand said there are many reasons why Clinton supporters are backing the New York senator for president, she supports the campaign because of the health care issue.

"...Having been a social worker and now a mediator in the area, I come across a lot of folks who need access to affordable health care. And that’s my No. 1 reason for supporting (Clinton), because I believe her universal health care plan makes the most sense."

Hand also said that she believes Clinton "is experienced to do the job well and do it effectively on day one."

Hand said she didn’t feel campaigning for a Democratic candidate in traditionally Republican Hall County was an uphill battle, yet.

"We just need Democrats, the ones that are there, to vote for Hillary Clinton (in the primary)," Hand said. "Ask me again in November."