Obama Backers Sought to Block Colbert In SC

Board members say top Dems 'pressured' them to keep comic off ballot

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2007 6:02 PM CST

(Newser) – Top Obama supporters in South Carolina called up members of the deciding Democratic council to oppose Stephen Colbert's bid for a ballot berth, CNN reports. One voter said he felt “pressured” by the phone call from former US Senate nominee Inez Tenenbaum, who said Colbert's presence "wouldn't be fair." The Obama campaign denied any role in the phone calling.

The comic lost his bid last week by a vote of 13-3. Tenenbaum said “lobbying was too strong a word” for her appeals (numbering at least three) to councilmembers—and that she wanted to save her party Colbert's $20,000 entrance fee. A political scientist notes, though, that the funnyman could have swiped young voters from the Illinois senator.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Senator Barack Obama shakes hands with supporters in front of the historic Clarendon County Courthouse Friday Nov. 2, 2007 in Manning, S.C. during a community gathering.... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Senator Barack Obama supporters applaud during his speech in front of the historic Clarendon County Courthouse Friday Nov. 2, 2007 in Manning, S.C. during a community... (Associated Press)

Colbert's failure in South Carolina made have had help from the protests of dedicated Obama supporters. (Getty Images (by Event))

Comedian and failed 2008 presidential hopeful Stephen Colbert. (Getty Images)

Colbert appears at the Saturday Book & Author Luncheon At The Book Expo. (Getty Images (by Event))

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Obama Backers Sought to Block Colbert In SC