At Least 10 Virginia Senate Democrats to Endorse Obama

By: Lowell
Published On: 2/4/2008 10:46:40 AM

See here for more:

About half of the Democrats in the Virginia state Senate are expected to announce today they are supporting Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) bid for the White House.

Obama's list of supporters will likely included senators from every region of the state, including Janet D. Howell and Linda T. "Toddy" Puller, both of Fairfax, A. Donald McEachin of Richmond, R. Edward Houck of Spotsylvania and L. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, according to sources close to the Obama campaign.

In all, at least 10 of the 21 Democratic senators are expected to throw their support behind Obama.

Impressive.

UPDATE: I've added the list of endorsers in the comments section.

Comments



hmm (lgb30856 - 2/4/2008 11:38:04 AM)
why now?? do they know something? Exciting times here in Va.


Timing (NGB - 2/4/2008 11:54:40 AM)
Based on fact that primary is now 8 days away.


Yes, the primary is in just over (Lowell - 2/4/2008 12:55:44 PM)
a week.


Here's the list of Obama endorsers. (Lowell - 2/4/2008 1:13:56 PM)
I just got this email from someone who was at the press conference:

I just attended the "press conference" where members of the Senate of Virginia endorsed Senator Obama. Here's the full list for you:

At the press conference:
Senator Howell
Senator Herring
Senator Lucas
Senator Puller
Senator Marsh
Senator McEachin

Not present but still endorsing (according to the Obama staffer):
Senator Northam
Senator Edwards
Senator Locke
Senator Houck

I'm especially happy with Howell (my Senator) and Northam (the greatest politician in Tidewater), and the headline: SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS ENDORSES OBAMA doesn't sound too bad.

Thanks for the report, and thanks to all the Senators who endorsed Barack Obama.  My understanding is that several others are remaining neutral...



Any chance (David Campbell - 2/4/2008 3:21:47 PM)
of Sen. Jim Webb or former Gov. Mark Warner endorsing Obama before the Virginia primary?


Good question. (Lowell - 2/4/2008 3:34:50 PM)
I strongly doubt it in the case of Warner, no clue in the case of Webb.


Webb has said he won't endorse (DanG - 2/4/2008 4:20:17 PM)
Again, this could change, as Kennedy said he was staying neutral as well.  But I'd bet Webb stays out of this.  

Obama already has the Governor and all three Democratic Congressmen, and half the State Senate.  He's got plenty of endorsements.  Though, admittedly, Webb would be a big one.



Did Moran endorse him? (NGB - 2/4/2008 5:03:48 PM)
I must have missed that


Senator Webb will remain neutral n/t (Ingrid - 2/4/2008 6:14:45 PM)


Pictures of the Endorsement Press Conference (legacyofmarshall - 2/4/2008 5:50:45 PM)



The Obama press release (Lowell - 2/4/2008 6:04:25 PM)
Ten Virginia Senators Endorse Obama for President

Supporters include three state senators who had previously supported John Edwards and one former Clinton supporter

RICHMOND, VA - At a news conference this morning, ten members of Virginia's state Senate, representing communities across the Commonwealth, endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing him as the most electable candidate in November and highlighting his ability to unite people for change.

Senators endorsing Obama included three who had previously supported former U.S. Sen. John Edwards - Sens. Janet Howell, D-Reston, Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, and John Edwards, D-Roanoke. Sen. L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, who had previously been a Clinton supporter, also announced her endorsement of Obama.

"Virginia can be a battleground state with Barack Obama at the top of the ticket," Sen. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, said. "He's mobilizing new voters and attracting Independents and Republicans. That's what it takes for a Democrat to win in Virginia in November."

Lucas said Obama's ability to inspire young voters reminded her of President John Kennedy's candidacy.

"Washington is in desperate need of change - not just its party, but its politics," Lucas said. "Barack Obama can deliver change Virginians can believe in."

Sen. Henry Marsh, D-Richmond, said that America is at a critical juncture, and on February 12, Virginians can help plot a new course for the country.

"We have to move beyond partisan game-playing if we're going to see progress on the difficult challenges that face everyday Virginians - skyrocketing healthcare costs, public schools in desperate need of reform and an economy that's out of balance, favoring the wealthy over average families," Marsh said. "Obama can turn the page on the politics of the past."

Also announcing their support of Obama Monday were:

Sen. Mark Herring, D-Leesburg
Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton
Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk
Sen. Toddy Puller, D-Mount Vernon