A small crowd greeted former President Clinton in the parking lot of a Fiesta grocery store on Houston’s south side Wednesday morning, the first of six rallies planned today from the Bayou City to Austin.

Clinton is in town again stumping for his wife, just the latest big name to visit the city as campaigning for the hotly contested Texas primary on March 4 reaches a fever pitch.

As Clinton arrived at his second stop in Moody Park to the strains of mariachi music, it was clear his message and his target audience would remain the same.

“I am going out to the neighborhoods and the grassroots because you are the people Hillary wants to represent in the White House,” Clinton said.

The audience at Moody Park was largely Hispanic, the group considered Hillary’s strength in the Lone Star State.

“Hispanics. She’s always supported Hispanics. Hispanics are loyal to her, and I think she is going to have a truly good turnout in Texas,” Mary Tellez said.

“Latinos know this is the only person who can carry us through what we need to get through,” Mary Ramos said.

The former President spoke primarily on health care, education and experience. 

“It’s time for the people to be back in charge of their government, and Hillary will do that for you,” Clinton said.

He never mentioned Sen. Barack Obama by name, but he did say his wife is the leader the people should trust, just as he says they trusted him a decade ago.

Perhaps more importantly, he again admitted that Texas will make or break his wife’s campaign.

“You know who the best leader is. You know who the best Commander in Chief will be. You know who would be best for your family. Please elect her, and thank you. God bless you all,” Clinton said.

Hillary Clinton is scheduled to arrive in Houston Thursday night.

Sen. Obama is also in Texas, making several campaign stops.

Though the Republican primary is not expected to be as close of a contest, GOP candidates are focusing on Texas as well.

Sen. John McCain is expected in the Bayou City for a private fundraiser Wednesday night.

There’s still no word on whether the Arizona senator will accept former Gov. Mike Huckabee’s debate challenge.

Huckabee sent a letter to McCain’s office requesting a debate before the Texas primary.