Richie Daley Endorses Obama for Primary --

[elehhhhna]

Rare Daley move: Endorses Obama for primary

December 20, 2006
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter
Mayor Daley has decided to abandon his long-standing tradition of remaining neutral in Democratic primaries and endorse Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential race, City Hall sources said Tuesday.
"Here you have not only an Illinoisan, but a Chicagoan who is a major contender for the highest office in the land. . . . When in our history have we ever had a favorite son this close to ? Why not get on board early?" said a Daley confidant, who asked to remain unnamed. "Hillary Clinton has been a great senator, a wonderful civic leader. But logic dictates that a Chicago mayor would be behind the Chicagoan who has taken the world by storm. Beyond that, this man has tremendous potential. The world sees that. It stands to reason that the mayor sees it."

Daley's early endorsement will mark the second time in 17 years he has taken such a stand before Democratic primary voters have made their choice.

In January 1998, he endorsed Vice President Al Gore with the presidential vote nearly two years away. Daley's brother Bill Daley, then U.S. Commerce secretary, later became Gore campaign chairman.


http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/179080,CST-NWS-obama20.article

[Annces]

1. a piece of the machine

That will be good for him.

[Debi]

2. When did Obama announce his candidacy?

:shrug:

[WI_DEM]

4. he hasn't, but is going to make a decision this week.

I suppose this is just to encourage him.

[Debi]

6. How many red faces will there be if he decides not to run? n/t

[WI_DEM]

3. well, there was Gov. Adlai Stevenson in 1952 who was also an

Illonoisian so its not as unprecedented as it seems. Also, this would be expected afterall, Obama would be expected to be good to Illinois and Chicago like I'm sure Hillary would be for NYC.

[Norquist Nemesis]

5. With Richie and Oprah on his side

It's in the bag! Too bad Illinois' primary doesn't have a more say in the process. Pisses me off that every Presidential election year, my primary vote never makes any difference.