Presidential endorsements fly in
Published 11:23 pm Monday, February 4, 2008
OLYMPIA — Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama received a flurry of endorsements in Washington state Monday, just days before the state’s Democratic caucuses.
Lt. Gov. Brad Owen endorsed Clinton, of New York, while Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown endorsed Obama, of Illinois.
“I’m here for a simple reason,” Brown, D-Spokane, told a news conference outside the Capitol, surrounded by more than a dozen lawmakers. “He inspires me.”
The Clinton campaign announced Owen’s support along with endorsements from 37 other state officials, including 18 members of the Legislature.
“I just believe when you compare the experience between the two, that Senator Clinton is in a better position to lead the country,” Owen said later by phone.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., Obama’s state chairman, joined the Obama supporters outside the Capitol. He said Obama “has an ability to unite this country that is unmatched by any candidate in this race.”
An unlikely face at the rally was Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, who had endorsed President Bush and 2004 Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi, and sometimes votes with Republicans in the Legislature on such issues as gun rights and taxes.
On Monday, he was wearing an Obama button and said he’s convinced the Illinois senator is the best candidate.
Obama also has the support of prominent Seattle attorney Jenny Durkan and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.
Clinton is endorsed by Washington Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, former Gov. Gary Locke, U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, King County Executive Ron Sims and Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.
Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire has not yet endorsed a candidate, but has indicated she will do so before Saturday’s caucuses.
The state also has a nonbinding Democratic primary on Feb. 19. Republicans have caucuses and a primary on the same dates.
