Gov. Easley to endorse Clinton
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - April 28, 2008 Easley was expected to announce the endorsement Tuesday morning
in Raleigh, the state capital, one week before North Carolina's
primary on May 6, according to persons close to the governor and to
Clinton. The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity because a
formal announcement had not yet been made.
Easley is a Democratic superdelegate who has served two terms as
governor. His decision comes despite several recent polls showing
Clinton trailing rival Barack Obama ahead of the state's May 6
primary.
The endorsement is a major boost for the former first lady.
Besides being a respected figure among Democrats in the state,
Easley is one of the all-important superdelegates likely to choose
the party's presidential nominee.
He would be the second superdelegate from the state to endorse
Clinton. Six of its 17 superdelegates have endorsed Obama.
Easley had backed former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards for
president before he ended his bid in January.
In recent weeks, Clinton's once sizable lead among
superdelegates has dwindled as Obama has picked up the backing of
several who were previously uncommitted. Obama's campaign announced
Monday that New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman, another superdelegate,
was supporting the Illinois senator.
A former state attorney general, Easley has focused largely on
education programs during his eight-year tenure. He's called on
both of the presidential candidates to take more about he issue.
---
Beth Fouhy reported from Salisbury, N.C.
