Three key Democratic primary endorsements: Kennedy, Clyburn and Shaheen

[DeepModem Mom]

WP political blog, "The Fix"
In a Sea of Political Endorsements, Six That Could Make Waves
By Chris Cillizza And Shailagh Murray
Sunday, January 28, 2007; Page A02

Every day the potential presidential candidates fill The Fix's inbox with press releases touting some new endorsement from a sheriff in South Carolina or a state legislator in Michigan. For the most part, these endorsements are aimed at building momentum but have zero practical effect on the hunt for votes. Not all endorsements are created equal, however. Some really do matter....

***

Democrats

Sen. Ted Kennedy (Mass.): Sen. John Kerry's decision to step out of the 2008 race makes Kennedy one of the most sought-after free agents in the field. Kennedy has ties to several of the candidates, although Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) stands to benefit most from an endorsement by the liberal icon.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (S.C.): The highest-ranking African American in the House, Clyburn is the rare modern politician with a proven political machine at his disposal. And he sits in a state that will vote on Jan. 29, 2008.

Former governor Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.): Shaheen, a former three-term governor, maintains an active political organization in the state, overseen by her husband, Billy. She may not be able to endorse from her current perch at Harvard, but a lot can change in a year's time.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/27/AR2007012701072.html

[Tom Rinaldo]

1. They left out a major one in James Webb

I'm not surprised though because the beltway establishment pundits are still playing catch up on the significance of who James Webb represents now in the Democratic Party. The DNC half gets it, which is why they gave Webb the slot to respond to Bush, but I doubt that they expected the actual speech that he gave.

Webb is in the same line of atypical Democratic politicians as Howard Dean, and Wes Clark (who provided key early support to Webb in Virginia). The "Fix" understands who the old school players are, but they don't yet get the new ones.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. Kennedy?

Kennedy is one of my fav senators but I must disagree. He endorsed Kerry which I thought was a bad move. Also, he isn't in a swing state. He is also a liberal and most liberals will likely go with whoever moveon.org and others get behind (if they are getting into the primary). Just my thoughts...but let me make it clear, I love Senator Kennedy.

[VADem11]

4. Good point

Virginia has a pretty early primary and I think Webb will be very influential. Virtually every major candidate campaigned for him so I think it'll be interesting to see who he chooses.

[SaveElmer]

5. I predict he will stay out of it...

Before the convention...

Which I think would be the smart thing to do

[Tom Rinaldo]

7. Webb is fearless

I think he'll endorse Clark, because I think he'll think it is the right thing to do.

[MaineDem]

3. The DNC is meeting in DC next weekend

All of the potential and actual Presidential candidates are expected to be there, I believe. That might provide some interesting endorsements.

[thatsrightimirish]

6. I have a feeling

That Kennedy will endorse Obama. Young and optimistic like his brother.