3:35 PM: Feingold leaning toward Obama
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton, reiterated Thursday afternoon that he is leaning toward endorsing Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton for president. But, Feingold said, he's not there yet.
"I'm watching the race unfold," Feingold told WisPolitics.com in a brief telephone interview. "I think we'll know a lot more about the race in a few days, and the issue may well be irrelevant."
Feingold indicated he favors Obama because the Illinois Democrat defeated Clinton Tuesday in Wisconsin's Democratic presidential primary. Feingold cited Obama's victory in that contest as the biggest factor pushing him toward the Illinois Democrat.
When asked what was stopping him from endorsing outright, Feingold did not cite any specific reason. "Nothing's preventing me" from making a decision now, he said.
Feingold is one of the state Democratic Party's 16 super delegates. Obama already has the backing of seven super delegates, while two are backing Clinton.
-- By David M. Drucker
Labels: 2008 spring primary