Obama's connection with voters impresses Braley

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By Ed Tibbetts | Wednesday, April 30, 2008 |

Democratic presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands with supporters in HIckory, N.C. Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley, a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, will announce his endorsement of Obama this afternoon. (AP Photo)

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Braley will back Obama

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, said today that Barack Obama’s unique connection with voters and the strong backing he got from eastern Iowa played key roles in his decision to endorse the Illinois senator.

Braley, a superdelegate, threw his support to Obama today. He’s just the latest in a string of superdelegates who have chosen Obama over rival Hillary Clinton.

In an interview today, Braley said he was impressed with Obama’s connection with voters, going back to an appearance the Illinois senator made on Braley’s behalf in Davenport in the summer of 2006.

“Just seeing the level of enthusiasm that he brought to that event and watching that level continue to build and grow throughout his campaign was a very important factor to me,” he said.

Braley still endorsed John Edwards before the January precinct caucuses, but he said that even going to his own caucus a few months ago, he saw the power Obama had with people.

“I saw large numbers of young voters who had never been to a caucus before,” he said. “I saw independents and Republicans who were in that school building wearing Obama stickers. And so because of the impact that this has on the future of our party, that was a very important factor in my decision as well.”

Braley said his selection also was a prime topic of conversation at last weekend’s district convention in Dubuque.

The Obama campaign is hosting a conference call this afternoon to announce the endorsement.

Braley was one of three Iowa superdelegates who hadn’t chosen sides before today. Left now to declare their preference is Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan. An aide to Harkin said no announcement is pending. And Brennan has no plans to make an endorsement, a party spokesperson said.

Obama won Iowa’s precinct caucuses and strengthened his lead at the county conventions last month. At last weekend’s district conventions, he captured 16 of the 29 delegates to the national convention chosen. And he has enough strength to win 24 of the state’s 45 pledged delegates. The 16 others will be chosen at the June 14 state party convention.

Braley’s decision brings to six the number of superdelegates in the state who have gone with Obama. Richard Machacek, a DNC member from Iowa, announced Tuesday he was going with Obama.

Clinton has three Iowa superdelegates. A 12th superdelegate will be chosen at the state convention.

Braley also said his decision was based in part on the desire to keep Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status. He said Obama is committed to Iowa.

The first-term congressman has been wooed by both Obama and Clinton, but he said today that he hasn’t heard from the New York senator in “a long time.” He said the campaign also hasn’t been in contact.

Ed Tibbetts can be contacted at (563) 383-2327 or etibbetts@qctimes.com. Comment on this article at qctimes.com.

Braley will back Obama

EARLIER STORY: U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, will endorse Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama this afternoon, according to an aide.

Braley, a superdelegate to the party’s national convention, had backed John Edwards, but since his withdrawal he has been uncommitted.

Jeff Giertz, his spokesman, said Braley was moved to make an annnouncement following this weekend’s district conventions.

“He just decided the time is right,” Giertz said.

Braley was one of three Iowa superdelegates who were on the fence after Richard Machacek, a DNC member, threw his support to Obama yesterday.

With Braley’s endorsement, that leaves U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan as still undeclared.

Obama, who finished first in the January precinct caucuses, controls a majority of Iowa’s delegates to the convention.