Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

svenugop@lohud.com

Whether you’re rooting for a front-runner to close big or a contested convention, there’s no denying the April 19 New York presidential primaries matter this year – and both Republican and Democratic primary voters are being fiercely courted. As the candidates look to rally their base and draw in new converts, we took a look at the types of voters they are counting on for support in the Lower Hudson Valley.

SANDERS: Meet five Bernie Sanders supporters

TRUMP: Meet five Donald Trump supporters

KASICH: Meet five John Kasich supporters

CRUZ: Meet five Ted Cruz supporters

We found that Hillary Clinton's supporters run the gamut when it comes to demographics, from millennial voters to minorities to social workers to corporate professionals. The common thread unifying this seemingly disparate group is their preference for a pragmatic and experienced candidate who can "get things done." While most of these voters liked her rival Sen. Bernie Sanders, they felt he didn't have the wherewithal to put his idealistic plans into action.

Here are five of their stories:

ADAM LIPSON

Age, hometown: 54, Grandview

Background: Born and raised in Greenwich Village, Lipson says his upbringing in the city has influenced much of who he is today. He has two college-age children and two step-children. He owns Network & Security Technologies, an information technology consulting businesses.

Voted for last time: Clinton in '08 primary, Barack Obama in '12.

Why Clinton: "There are two metrics that I use to evaluate any candidate for any office. Firstly, I ask myself, 'Does the candidate have a set of values that I believe in?' When I consider both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, the answer is a resounding 'Yes!' Both have good values and want to help those in need. The second question I ask myself is 'Can they get the job done?' Hillary Clinton has more experience than any presidential candidate in the history of American politics. She could hit the road running on Day One. While I like Bernie Sanders' values, the truth is that in his 20 years in Congress, he authored no legislation. With a Congress that is unwilling to take guns out of the hands of those on the 'no fly list,' how can we expect Bernie Sanders to be successful? I'm voting for Hillary because she has the most experience and I believe that she is best equipped to move our nation forward."

JULIA ROSE COULOMBE-VERNON

Age, hometown: 26, Croton-on-Hudson

Background: An animal lover and a millennial entrepreneur, Vernon and her husband own Muddy Buddies, a mobile dog grooming service.

Voted for last time: Obama

Why Clinton: "I confess: I love Hillary because she will be the first woman U.S. president. Men have had this job since 1776. It's time to put a woman in the White House - and not as first lady! It's time to see what having a woman behind the wheel will do for this county. When has there ever been a presidential candidate, of either gender, as qualified as Hillary Clinton? I want a president who really knows how to get stuff done. When I hear things like free college, I think 'good luck with that.' It's hard enough to pass small changes through Congress. Hillary has fulfilled many different roles in the political spectrum and will use that to her advantage to get things done. As a young woman I am ready to finally feel represented. I am so tired of having men tell me what I can and can’t do with my body! As an entrepreneur and business owner I am admittedly nervous about the future of this country. We are at a pivotal moment and we need Hillary Clinton's strength and take-no-bull attitude now more than ever. She is not afraid of a difficult situation. She is not afraid to take responsibility for her actions. She has held her head high through her fair share of challenges."

CHERYL BRANNAN

Age, hometown: 62, Yonkers

Background: President of Brannan Solutions Group, consulting on health equity and management. Chairperson of Westchester Women of Color for Hillary, a mom of a millennial college student who is working for Hillary.

Voted for last time: Obama

Why Hillary: "I believe that during these challenging times we need a president who is tried and tested. Someone who is well-rounded and can assume the job as president and commander-in-chief on Day One. This is not a time for on-the-job training. Secretary Clinton is also the most likely candidate to preserve and build on President Obama’s legacy; the most knowledgeable about health care and foreign policy during these challenging times; the best suited to make likely appointments to the Supreme Court; and has a viable new College Compact that is realistic and will ensure that cost does not hold anyone back from college. As senator, she repeatedly championed legislation to ban racial profiling, co-sponsored legislation to prosecute hate crimes and advocated for eliminating racial disparities in the health care system. She has been a champion for civil rights, women’s rights, workers rights, LGBT rights and a woman’s right to choose. She will be an advocate for criminal justice reform and has been endorsed by the mother of Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland and Eric Garner, to name a few."

RON MITCHELL

Age, hometown: 66, New Rochelle

Background: Mitchell is part African-American, part Native American, and has been married over 40 years. He describes himself as a “serious Christian” with three grown children and a granddaughter. Now retired, his past work has been in directing social service programs in West Africa and the New York City area.

Voted for last time: Obama

Why Clinton: "While I supported Obama in 2008, for me Hillary Clinton is far more qualified and ready to lead our nation than any other candidate today. My faith compels me to do my part in seeking after the common good and trying to make the world a better place. While government and political leaders are always imperfect, we should support those leaders and policies that move us in the right direction. I have seen Hillary’s life-long history of working to make a positive difference. I can’t think of any first lady in history taking on the challenge, as she did, of something as big as working for universal health care. Since then, she continued to pay the price of relentless and unfair attacks, yet shows her character by continuing to fight. As U.S. Senator she fought for the 'Education for All' act to address extreme poverty around the world, especially by helping girls to obtain basic education. This wasn’t something that would get her votes, but it spoke to her character as a leader."

HALA MAKOWSKA

Age, hometown: 56, New Castle

Background: Makowska is a newly elected member of the New Castle Town Board, Clinton’s hometown. A marketing professional whose experience ranges from Time Inc. to Nielsen, Makowska has been married for 25 years.

Who she voted for last time: Obama

Why Hillary Clinton: "I believe Hillary Clinton is the candidate best qualified to deal with the complex domestic and international challenges affecting our national security, our civil liberties and our economic vibrancy. After more than a decade of crisis and stagnation, we need an experienced leader who can address the gridlock in Washington. Important issues include Supreme Court nominations, rebuilding aging infrastructure, overturning Citizens United, immigration reform and building a dynamic environment for business. In 2008, my vote for Obama was in part a vote against dynasty politics (Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton). I’m over that. Hillary‘s relentless dedication in putting our country first, her global experience and hard work has earned my support. She will fight for our rights. I support Hillary’s positions on Planned Parenthood, gun control, voting rights, Social Security and immigration. Hillary is the only candidate who has first-hand international experience. As Secretary of State, she helped build international coalitions. I believe her global views will make America safer. I believe she will invest in our future so our children and grandchildren will continue to benefit from the values that are uniquely American."