PORTLAND, Ore. -- Hillary Clinton hosted a health care event in Portland Friday morning, stressing a universal health care as a core Democratic principle.

Senator Clinton also told the audience of doctors, parents and sick children in Portland that her position on universal health care sets her apart from rival Barack Obama.

"The plan I have proposed would cover everyone, children and adults," Clinton said at Doernbecher Children's Hospital. "My opponent's would not."

Clinton is hoping to keep her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination alive with a win, or at least a better-than-expected showing in Oregon's May 20 primary.

"If you don't start in favor of universal health care, you'll never get there," Clinton said. "How can you run for the Democratic nomination and not have a universal health care plan?"

 More: Clinton's entire schedule in Oregon

Clinton's campaign office announced plans to visit to Oregon May 8-9, less than two weeks before votes are counted May 20 in the state's primary election.

Clinton has been fighting for guaranteed, affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans for almost twenty years, and she said it's one of the driving forces behind her run for the presidency today.

Clinton visited Central Point on Thursday night and spoke in Portland on Friday. Senator Barack Obama was also in the Portland Metro area on Friday, at a private event.

Clinton has rallied support in Oregon before:

She visited Eugene and Hillsboro on April 5. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea, also have appeared in Oregon on her behalf.

 Also: Bill Clinton's recent visit

Clinton renews push for debate

Most political insiders think that Oregon is leaning toward Barack Obama, who also is expected to be back in Oregon before the primary votes are counted. Ballots are being mailed out this weekend.