AUGUSTA – Thirty lawmakers supporting Wesley Clark’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination gathered at the State House to rally for the candidate they said has the best chance to beat President Bush.

Senate President Beverly Daggett said during Thursday’s rally that Clark would unite the party, as well as many Americans, if he were selected the party’s nominee during the national convention in July.

Clark, a retired four-star Army general, said he opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Many veterans, including some in Maine, have backed him.

On Friday, Clark was third in the polls for the New Hampshire primary with 18 percent of the vote, behind Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry with 31 percent and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean with 20 percent.

During a news conference at the Hall of Flags, lawmakers including 27 representatives and three senators were surrounded by green and blue balloons as they hoisted campaign signs.

Rep. Janet Mills, D-Farmington, said other prominent Maine Democrats supporting Clark include former House Speaker Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell.