By Drew Armstrong, CQ Staff

If this week’s reintroduction of Michelle Obama was intended to begin the process of having her replace Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the hearts of Democratic women, the strategy might be bearing fruit.

Michelle Obama spoke to a crowd of enthusiastic women Thursday whose fervor at times approached that often shown for her husband.

Female Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, sang the praises of both Obama’s at the event, a Women’s Caucus rally.

When Michelle Obama arrived on stage, a surging crowd rushed forward, brandishing cameras and screaming her name.

“Women, more than ever, need an advocate in the White House,” she told the crowd. And while she paid homage to Clinton several times, she was not reliant on references to the former first lady to win applause.

Wasserman Schultz told the crowd that Obama would be a champion for women.

“There is no choice for women . . . but to elect Barack Obama ,” said Wasserman Schultz.

One audience member, delegate Laura McGee, of Great Falls, Mont., said Michelle Obama’s speech Monday helped cement her relationship with female delegates and supporters.

“What she did Monday was she connected with women and showed . . . herself,” McGee said.