Friday, December 26, 2003


Governor not sure yet if she'll endorse in Democratic presidential race
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Dick Gephardt put in a personal call to Gov. Jennifer Granholm last week, the same day candidate Howard Dean's campaign manger flew in from Vermont to meet with her in her office.

Both men - and the seven other candidates hoping to win the Democratic presidential nomination - are industriously courting Michigan's Democratic governor, hoping for an endorsement that could help them win the state's Feb. 7 Democratic presidential caucuses and give them a boost nationwide.

So far, Granholm isn't sure she'll endorse. But she hasn't ruled it out. She also declines to name a favorite - or even several possible favorites - at this point.

Political observers see Michigan as a must-win state for whichever Democrat wins the task of taking on President Bush next year, so all the candidates are starting to line up supporters in this critical industrial swing state.

We are an important piece of the puzzle for 2004. Wait for the best offer, Jennifer.