Posted on Tue, Mar. 25, 2008

Former President Bill Clinton will visit Puerto Rico next month to make the case for his wife as the Caribbean island prepares for its Democratic primary, Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign said Monday.

Clinton is expected to participate in several events during the April 6-7 visit to the U.S. territory, where 55 delegates are up for grabs in the June 1 election.

''We are very pleased that President Clinton will be visiting,'' Roberto Prats, the party chairman on the Spanish-speaking island, told The Associated Press.

Prats, who has endorsed Clinton, said the former president's schedule is being assembled with the goal of visiting as many places in Puerto Rico as possible.

Also Monday, the Democratic Party approved the island's switch from a caucus to a primary. Local officials said they want to encourage more people to participate in an election that could help decide the nomination contested by Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama.

Only three remaining states, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana, have more delegates at stake that Puerto Rico.

The close race may give the territory a rare opportunity to influence U.S. politics. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but island residents cannot vote in the general presidential election.

''Obviously, this June 1 will mark a historic opportunity for all Puerto Ricans to make their voices be heard and help select the Democratic nominee,'' said Angel Urena, a Clinton campaign spokesman.

Local party officials have said the primary format will pressure both candidates to visit the island themselves.