Former President Bill Clinton came to Tempe on Wednesday night, to rally supporters of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Richard Carmona. KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

MARK BRODIE: Clinton has been making the campaign rounds recently, stumping for house and senate candidates. Wednesday night, he told the crowd of several thousand people at ASU why they should vote for Richard Carmona.

BILL CLINTON: I can’t think of a person in America, without regard to party, who is more needed at this moment in our history in the U.S. Senate.

BRODIE: For his part, Carmona said he was thankful the 42nd president came to Tempe, calling Clinton “probably the most famous guy in the world.”

RICHARD CARMONA: To come and help me, I’m humbled and I’m so grateful that he’s coming out to help me to bring all these people here so that they can hear our message.

JEFF FLAKE: If I were Richard Carmona, I’d certainly welcome it … and it helps, I think, for about an hour.

BRODIE: Carmona’s Republican opponent, Jeff Flake, thinks Clinton’s visit could benefit his campaign. Flake says it helps underscore part of his message.

JEFF FLAKE: Richard Carmona has this kind of aura, or tries to put out that he’s an independent, he’s not really a Democrat or Republican. This puts him firmly in the Democratic camp.
 
BRODIE: Recent polls have shown the race to be close, but neither candidate says they’re surprised by how close it’s gotten.