Rendell backs Hillary Clinton
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: News
|
The Pennsylvania primary is not until April 22; however, the endorsement may affect the New Jersey and Delaware primaries on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.
"The Governor is not convinced that endorsements actually make much of a difference," Chuck Ardo, a spokesman for Rendell, said.
Chairman of the Drexel Democrats, John Lloyd, agreed and said , "Even high profile endorsements don't usually mean much in elections. … Rendell is a popular figure in Philadelphia, as well as the surrounding New Jersey and Delaware areas, and because they both vote on Feb. 5, this endorsement was probably timed as much for those primaries as for Pennsylvania."
However, according to Ardo, Rendell was more than willing to support Clinton.
"She really cares about moving this country forward," Rendell said in his speech Jan. 23.
Despite Rendell's support for Clinton, Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) was his candidate of choice, according to Ardo.
"After Sen. Joe Biden dropped, along with Gov. Bill Richardson, Rendell felt that Clinton was the most qualified candidate," Ardo said.
Biden is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was first elected in 1972. Biden also made an unsuccessful run for the presidency in 1988, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Richardson ended his campaign for presidency Jan. 9 after twin fourth-place finishes that showed his impressive credentials could not compete with his rivals' star power, according to CNN.com.
"Most people expected Gov. Rendell to endorse Sen. Clinton because of their longstanding connections, regardless of Biden or Richardson," Lloyd, a supporter of Barack Obama, said.
Rendell reported that former President Bill Clinton had called him about two and a half months ago and asked him to endorse Clinton, according to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Philadelphia, both Mayor Michael Nutter and Rendell have endorsed Clinton thus far in the election.
"Clinton has the endorsement of both Gov. Rendell and Mayor Nutter, and so she has the backing of some pretty powerful democratic establishment figures," Lloyd said.
According to Lloyd, Rendell's endorsement was expected because Rendell is a longtime friend and ally of the Clintons, and therefore has less of an impact.
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner also endorse Clinton in her presidential campaign.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
VoteResponsible08
posted 1/25/08 @ 10:22 PM EST
I am so very proud that we have a woman running!
Hillary is brilliant and will make history not only because she is a woman, but becasue she has conviction, passion and is experienced to lead our country! In these crucial times and the challenges that face our nation Hillary will make us pround. (Continued…)
abd26
posted 4/15/08 @ 10:55 AM EST
rendell is a known racist. he was the DA of philly back in the 80s and was involved in the bombing of the MOVE house in west philly. that bombing killed 11 people, including kids. (Continued…)
Post a Comment