Rep. Ortiz Endorsing Clark
By Byron LaMasters
The Corpus Christi Caller Times reports:
U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz. said Thursday that he will endorse Wesley Clark for the presidency in the democratic primary.
"I think we need a strong leader like General Clark," Ortiz said. "And I think we need somebody that can win."
Ortiz said that current Democratic Party front-runner Howard Dean has become increasingly vulnerable to attacks from his own party. This, along with Dean's fiery temperament, is eroding the electronic-fundraising dynamo's ability to win the general election, Ortiz said.
"At least with him (Clark), we will give the Republicans a good run."
Ortiz said that he decided to endorse Clark after several weeks of conversation with the retired general. Ortiz described Clark as even-tempered and a good listener with the right qualifications .
"I think he is capable in many ways," Ortiz said. "It think he understands the problems we face, the atmosphere of the world today. I mean, we have so many hotspots. We are at war in Afghanistan and Iraq and (Clark) was involved in the mission in Bosnia."
Ortiz become the eighth Texas Democratic Congressman to make an endorsement in the Presidential race. Max Sandlin, Chet Edwards, Silvestre Reyes, Gene Green and Chris Bell have endorsed Dick Gephardt. Eddie Bernice Johnson has endorsed John Edwards, and Shelia Jackson-Lee has endorsed Howard Dean.
Posted by Byron LaMasters at January 12, 2004 01:28 AM
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Whoop-de-doo... endorsements mean little unless they have either an intensely loyal following in the party (Bill and Hilary Clinton) or a powerful organization (Tom Harkin in Iowa, Chuck Schumer in New York). As a result, Solomon Ortiz's support means little except that Texas might be Clark country come March 9, if he's even still around.
In places which still have machine style politics, the head of the local machine can still sway a lot of votes.
That's especially true if the endorsement is for an office that voters are not too concerned about.
During the era of the first Mayor Daley (1955-1976), many Chicagoans would ignore his endorsements for president or governor, but would blindly follow his recommendations for patronage rich offices like recorder of deeds, county clerk, or sheriff.
A somewhat different dynamic may exist in Texas.
Nobody expects a Democratic presidential candidate to carry the Lone Star State this year. So locals in some parts of the state, not too worried about who will eventually get the nomination, may be more willing to follow the recommendations of local party bosses whom they know and respect.
