Raleigh, N.C. — Former President Bill Clinton spoke in Cary Friday afternoon, enumerating key policies he said his wife would focus on if elected president.

It was the first visit to the state for the Clinton campaign since late last year. He predicted the visit was the first of many as the North Carolina primary gains in importance in the highly-contested race for the Democratic nomination.

"This has been an amazing election, and it is, in a way, just the beginning," he said.

Clinton spoke for about 45 minutes before a crowd of almost 500 supporters.

"Hillary will be here next week and every week until your primary," he predicted.

First he touched on the economy, saying, "This state is very much involved in all the promise and all the peril of America's economy."

He cited a Duke Power plan to create "green-collar" jobs as an example of the kind of effort Hillary would support.

"These green-collar jobs are not just for college graduates," he said, "And these jobs can not be outsourced to other countries."

"If that's what you want, I hope you'll support her for president," he urged.

He also talked about health care, offering examples of how Hillary Clinton's plan would save money and offer coverage for all.

"Everybody will be able to afford it, but everybody must be in it. If you agree with that, that's another big reason to support her for president," he said.

He spoke of his wife's goal to make education affordable and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

“She wants shared prosperity, based on shared benefits and shared responsibilities,” he said.

He concluded with heartfelt support of her experience and preparation, saying he would support her even if she was not his wife and promised greater prosperity under a Hillary Clinton administration than under his own.

Barack Obama and Senator Clinton are in a tight race for North Carolina's delegates.

The latest numbers from Public Policy Polling show Obama pulling 44 percent support to Clinton's 43 percent.

“The big show is finally coming to town,” political columnist Rob Christensen said.

Christensen said he expects both candidates to ramp up their focus on North Carolina voters who have been left out in the past.

“They've watched Iowa, New Hampshire, even South Carolina pick nominees where North Carolina had no say. Now, they have a very big say,” he said.

Voters with whom WRAL spoke with said they are looking forward to the state's primary.

“I'm excited. This is my first year to vote, so it's like a big thing to me,” voter Brittany Bentley said.

“The democratic race has definitely come down to the wire. I think North Carolina will have a significant impact on the eventual candidate,” voter Chelsea Garber said.

The last time North Carolina played a role in the Democratic primaries was in 1988 during the first Super Tuesday.

This year, the state's primary is set for May 6 with 134 delegates at stake.