JOHNSTON – Hillary Clinton didn’t deliver any bombshells in the 17 minutes she spoke tonight before a rowdy crowd at the 1025 Club.

Besides a few references to Rhode Island , she gave the same party-line speech she has delivered dozens of times in recent weeks during her whirlwind tour across the country to campaign for Democrats.

“We believe on this stage, that the future of this country is at stake,” she said tonight, standing alongside Democratic Senate hopeful Sheldon Whitehouse. “We need a Democratic majority to hold this president and vice president accountable.

But the 800 strong that gathered at Johnston ’s 1025 Club tonight didn’t mind the familiar themes. They ate it up.

In an atmosphere that felt more like a high school pep rally at times – there were even free hot dogs and bags of chips – the crowd wasn’t bashful. There were plenty of “yeahs” and “boos,” when appropriate.

And others supporters were more creative.

“The Republicans are nasty,” yelled a woman in the back.

“Give ‘em hell Hillary,” shouted another man standing near the roped off media area in the middle of the large room.

The event, which was free and open to the public, attracted a wide variety of people. Some wore suits. Others donned leather jackets, jeans and sneakers. Union leader Frank Montanaro showed up. So did former Senator Claiborne Pell and Providence city councilman John J. Igliozzi.

Rhode Island ’s entire Congressional delegation – except for Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who was participating in a live television debate – addressed the crowd before Clinton took her turn.

Clinton ’s visit comes just eight days after her husband, former President Bill Clinton, campaigned for Rhode Island Democrats in Providence . They are among a host of celebrity politicians to visit the Ocean State in recent weeks to help influence a U.S. Senate race that could help decide the balance of power in Washington .

Hillary Clinton was passionate at times tonight. She waved her arms as she chastised the Republicans in power for “the mess” in Washington .

“They should all be sent home for dereliction of duty,” she said, almost shouting, as the crowd roared.

But Clinton was largely silent on the issue of Iraq . She briefly mentioned the war – more specifically Sen. Jack Reed’s role, calling him “a rock star” on military issues, as Reed looked on from across the stage.

Clinton ’s views on Iraq attracted a handful of protesters, who stood across the street from the front entrance of the 1025 Club holding signs. Clinton was one of a small number of Democratic senators who voted to give President Bush authority to take military action in Iraq .

“How many must die in this pointless war for you to admit it was a mistake,” read one sign. “Why Hillary? Why?” read another.

“We just find it interesting that Sheldon Whitehouse claims to be against the war but he brings in people like this,” said Brown University student Marc Frank, who said he supports Whitehouse’s Republican opponent, Lincoln Chafee.