Leading Iowa Democrat endorses Obama

By Charlotte Eby | Tuesday, May 20, 2008

DES MOINES — Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan, who has stayed neutral in the party’s presidential nominating contest until now, announced Tuesday he is backing Barack Obama.

“Barack Obama spent nearly a year campaigning here prior to the caucuses. He built one of the strongest grassroots organizations we’ve ever seen in the state, and Iowans know and like Barack Obama,” Brennan said at a news conference announcing his endorsement, which came hours before Obama’s rally in downtown Des Moines.

Brennan said Obama is bringing new people to the political process at historic levels in Iowa and around the country. He said Obama has pledged to campaign in Iowa during the general election, when the state could likely be a critical battleground.

Obama also understands the importance of the Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses said Brennan, who is “confident” Obama will remain supportive of Iowa’s role.

When asked, Brennan did not say Democrat Hillary Clinton should exit the presidential race.

“She is certainly entitled to do whatever she wants,” Brennan said. “I mean, at this point, I don’t think she’s going to drop out, and I think that’s fine.”

Clinton Midwest Chairman Jerry Crawford declined to comment on the endorsement.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.