Ex-DNC Chair Switches to Obama Camp

Andrew abandons Clinton, tells superdels to 'heal the rift'

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted May 1, 2008 6:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – Joe Andrew, a superdelegate and the Democratic Party chair during Bill Clinton's presidency, has switched his allegiance from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama, reports the AP. Andrew had endorsed Hillary on the day she announced her candidacy, but in a lengthy letter to other superdelegates he says they must rally behind Obama to "heal the rift in our party."

The Obama camp had not sought Andrew's endorsement, but the former DNC chair says "he has shown so much mettle under fire," citing the Jeremiah Wright controversy and the flare-up over gas taxes. The change of heart cuts Hillary Clinton's superdelegate lead to only 19; she had previously held as much as a 100-delegate lead over Obama.

Mary Masceri watches as Barack Obama talks on the phone with Mary's husband Frank Masceri during conversations with working families in Beach Grove, Ind., Wednesday, April 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Bloomington, Ind., Wednesday, April 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands as she enters a campaign rally at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, Ind. Wednesday, April 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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Ex-DNC Chair Switches to Obama Camp

Andrew abandons Clinton, tells superdels to 'heal the rift'

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Ex-DNC Chair Switches to Obama Camp

Andrew abandons Clinton, tells superdels to 'heal the rift'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Democratic National Committee • Democratic presidential candidates • Democratic nomination • superdelegates • Joe Andrew

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Can Howard Dean Keep the Dems Together?

Bruising Clinton- Obama race tests low-key party chairman

Superdelegates Waiting to Pick Sides

Batch of party elites could pick the next nominee

Dems Need a 'Superconvention'

Earlier superdelegate event could fix Dems' drama: Politico

Superdel Win Signals Change Dem Honchos Believe In

Victory in 'smoky backrooms of power' shows how country has shifted

Dems Move to End Clinton Campaign

Pelosi, Reid, Dean give superdelegates 48 hours

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