The Wall Street Journal-20080111-Campaign -08 -- Washington Wire- Insight and Analysis From WashWire-com
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Campaign '08 -- Washington Wire: Insight and Analysis From WashWire.com
Kerry Endorses Obama, Bypassing Edwards
John Kerry's endorsement of Barack Obama for the Democrats' presidential nomination will be followed soon by that of several more senators, and today, Arizona's popular Gov. Janet Napolitano will announce her support.
Arizona is a coveted state among those holding nominating contests Feb. 5, "Super Tuesday." Gov. Napolitano's endorsement of Sen. Obama is interesting in that his chief rival, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, would be the first female president.
As for senators, second-term Sen. Clinton has 10 endorsements from their Democratic colleagues to first-term Sen. Obama's four. But two of his came yesterday -- despite a second place to Sen. Clinton in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary, which he had been expected to win on the heels of his Iowa caucuses victory. Along with Sen. Kerry, Democrats' unsuccessful 2004 nominee, Sen. Obama reeled in the endorsement of South Dakota's Tim Johnson.
Sen. Kerry not only passed over Sen. Clinton but also his 2004 running mate, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who could have used a boost. The Kerry-Edwards relationship frayed amid finger- pointing after their failed White House bid. "Our country and our party are stronger because of John's service, and I respect his decision," Mr. Edwards said in a statement.
As for Sen. Johnson, he said Sen. Obama "is in a unique position to reach across party lines and unite our country. The problem with Washington has become the increasingly partisan nature that produces more roadblocks than results."
Two more senators, including a woman, are expected to come forward for Sen. Obama in coming days, a person close to the Obama campaign said. While little suggests that individual endorsements do much to bolster a candidate, for Sen. Obama they blunt the questions about his experience. And Sen. Kerry's could bring with him a three-million- strong list of national supporters.
-- Susan Davis and Jackie Calmes
Unity08 Leaders
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A Bloomberg Bid
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg insists he isn't running for president, but his supporters aren't giving up.
The chairmen of Unity08, a group that has been working to build support for a bipartisan campaign for president, are leaving to join a new effort to promote a Bloomberg candidacy, according to a letter from Unity08 directors to its supporters yesterday. Unity08, meanwhile, is going into "hibernation" due to a lack of funds.
While several other pro-Bloomberg efforts already are active online, the new group could dwarf them in resources and clout. Its leaders will include Unity08 co-chairmen Doug Bailey, a former Republican consultant and one of the founders of the political newsletter The Hotline, and Gerald Rafshoon, a former communications director for President Carter. Several other members of the group's staff are also expected to join the effort. Mr. Bailey said he and Mr. Rafshoon will have an announcement Monday, but declined further comment.
-- Ben Casselman
