Reply #44: Dodd endorsement of Obama brings well-connected party leader [View All]

[babylonsister]

Dodd endorsement of Obama brings well-connected party leader

By Mike Dorning


CLEVELAND—Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) became the first former candidate in this year’s Democratic campaign to endorse a rival today, urging Democrats to unify behind Barack Obama’s candidacy and warning against harsh attacks that could damage the party’s nominee in the fall election.

“It is now the time to come together as a Democratic party,” Dodd said at a morning press conference, adding a few moments later, “I don’t want a campaign that is only divisive here. And there is a danger of it becoming that.”

Dodd’s candidacy never achieved a significant popular following. So his endorsement may not have much impact with the public.

But he has considerable potential influence within the party’s political establishment to make the case that other party leaders need to throw their weight behind Obama to bring the contest to a close. A 27-year veteran of the Senate and a leader of the party’s liberal wing, he came within one vote of becoming of the Senate Democratic Leader in 1994 and served as general chairman of the party during the mid-1990s.

Already, a steady stream of Democratic superdelegates have been announcing support for Obama’s candidacy since his 17-point win in Wisconsin last week. Major union endorsements of Obama last week and national polls this week showing he continues to build support among new demographic groups such as blue-collar workers and women also are seizing the attention of political professionals.

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