ober020208
On the homepage
Local
Out There
Business
Vita.mn
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Oberstar endorses Obama
Formerly backing John Edwards, the dean of Minnesota's congressional delegation says Obama projects a "soaring image of the future of America."
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Barack Obama's presidential campaign received a significant boost in Minnesota this morning, when Rep. Jim Oberstar endorsed the Illinois senator.
Oberstar, the dean of the state's congressional delegation, had been supporting the candidacy of John Edwards until the former North Carolina senator dropped out of the race this week.
"I was proud of his campaign," Oberstar said of Edwards during a conference call with reporters. "I felt he conducted himself vigorously, but it wasn't enough."
He said Obama "has shown the ability to project a soaring image of the future of America."
The campaigns of both Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton have been furiously courting Edwards supporters nationwide (and Edwards himself) in the hopes of attracting Democrats who had planned to vote for him on Super Tuesday, when the party holds primaries and caucuses in 22 states, including Minnesota.
Oberstar was one of four U.S. House members -- including North Dakota's Earl Pomeroy -- who announced their switch from Edwards to Obama this morning. At the same time, Obama's campaign released the names of 30 other elected officials across the nation who had endorsed him.
Oberstar said Obama will attract strong union support, one of Edwards' principal sources of support, across the Eighth Congressional District, where labor organizations retain considerable clout in a corner of the state that is heavily DFL.
"Senator Obama embodies all of the values the labor movement has espoused," Oberstar said. "He would stand firm with us."
Bob von Sternberg • 612-673-7184
- Top DFLer asks for time on WCCO radio
- Emotional Franken finally gets sworn in
- Coleman would cast long shadow in governor's race
- Pawlenty starts cutting budget to close $2.7 billion gap
- Board fines Entenza $500 for lobbyist contribution
- Al Franken serious, ready to work
- Delano's Emmer plans run for governor
- Marty Seifert announces campaign for governor
- It's D-Day for state budget woes
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
  Get A ProfessionalFind home maintenance, car repair, legal advice, cleaning, and more in the Yellow Pages. Go now! Save Your $$ With CouponsDiscounts on services, entertainment, dining, gifts, and more. Start saving! |
Win passes to an advanced screening 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' on July 13.Vita.mn presents an advanced screening 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' on July 13. |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments