"Clinton Edges Obama in Black Caucus"

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Clinton Edges Obama in Black Caucus
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

39 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama may be the first sitting member of the Congressional Black Caucus to run for president in more than 30 years yet rival Hillary Rodham Clinton has the edge in endorsements among the group.

With the backing of California Rep. Diane Watson this week, the Clinton campaign counts 13 supporters in the 43-member group to Obama's 12. Although technically since Obama is a member and supporting himself, one could say they are tied.

The endorsements reflect the split of black voters, with the two candidates competing for their support. The only other sitting CBC member to run for president was Rep. Shirley Chisholm of New York, a founding member who ran in 1972.

Clinton and Obama appeared Friday before the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual legislative conference, and both got enthusiastic receptions.

Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., a CBC member who has endorsed Obama and was there to see him speak, attributed Clinton's endorsement lead to the greater number of members from Clinton's New York state as opposed to members from Obama's Illinois.

"It's a favorite son, favorite daughter issue," Bishop said. "Both of them are very attractive candidates to the African-American community. ... Bill Clinton was extremely well-liked and loved by a large number of people in the country, particularly African-Americans."<snip>

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