It's official: Iowa's first lady to back Edwards for president

[Herman Munster]

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/NEWS/71216013/1001/NEWS

Iowa�s first lady, who had said she would stay neutral in the presidential race, has changed her mind and plans to endorse Democrat John Edwards Monday.

�I decided to join in the fray,� Mari Culver said in an interview today.

Culver said her husband, Gov. Chet Culver, will not endorse anyone, and she said her stance does not imply that he supports Edwards. �If the governor wanted to show a preference for a candidate, he would do so,� she said. �My endorsement is as Mari Culver, Iowan. � I�m my own person. I have my own political interests.�

Mari Culver�s predecessor as first lady, Christie Vilsack, endorsed Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry before the 2004 caucuses, which he won.

[cali]

1. That's a very good endorsement

for JE. Congratulations to his supporters.

[williesgirl]

2. I also like the fact she speaks for herself. rec'd

[ncabot22]

3. Good for Edwards!

Congrats to his supporters. :)

[proudmoddemo]

4. Far more important than the DMR

Congratulations to Senator Edwards.

[Renew Deal]

5. Hillary shares support with Edwards.

I really wonder how they will play against each other. Another interesting development in Iowa.

[Herman Munster]

7. For Hillary's purposes

An Edwards win is the next best thing for her winning. What Hillary supporters don't want to see is Obama winning.

[Renew Deal]

13. What if Edwards pulls just enough to kick her into third?

With either Edwards or Obama winning. I think 3rd is a death sentence to her campaign.

[ruggerson]

6. Good for JRE

I'm sure that will have impact.

[laureloak]

8. Now THAT'S a good omen. n/t

[tammywammy]

9. Good for Edwards

[annie1]

10. Nice.

[Inspired]

11. Mari Culver has always supported Edwards so this is no surprise.

But it is a nice development. We were wondering when she was going to publicly announce this. Governor Culver isn't endorsing anyone in order to keep the integrity of the Iowa caucus intact. (I agree with this decision.) Everyone in Iowa knows that both Culvers are big supporters of John Edwards though.

Interesting side note.....The Des Moines Register endorsed Mike Blouin over Chet Culver in the Democratic primary leading up to the governor's race in Iowa. As we know, Culver ended up winning. That is how influential the DMR's endorsement is. Not.

Thanks to Mari for taking a stand just in the nick of time.

[sandnsea]

12. Interesting side note

I liked Chet Culver when I saw him at the JJ Dinner on CSpan. He seems like a very down to earth person, no muss, get things done. I like that.

[Pachamama]

14. They are trying to remain neutral, but I know for a fact that they are BOTH behind Edwards

I went to highschool with Chet and knew him well and am in touch with one of his best friends...He and Mari both are supporting John and Elizabeth....even if Chet doesn't say so publicly, his vote is John's....

[Cameron27]

15. Why doesn't he want to publicly endorse?

[Pachamama]

16. My guess is that he wants to wait till the nominee of the Dem Party is announced and then support

that person, but that he wants it to be Edwards. I think Iowans know where their Governor stands and that he has been attending lots of Edwards events.