Spitzer to Endorse Clinton
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Governor Spitzer, Democrat of New York, will put an end to questions about an endorsement of fellow New York Democrat Senator Clinton’s presidential bid with a big event on the steps of the state Capitol next week, officials said Tuesday.
Mr. Spitzer had thus far put off an endorsement, saying it was “premature”
“New Yorkers know first hand how effective Hillary is as a leader, which is why her support runs deep in this state,” Mr. Spitzer said Tuesday. “As senator she has capably represented New Yorkers and together with countless other supporters I look forward to sharing with the rest of the country the values and strengths that will make her an excellent president.”
“We are gratified by the overwhelming support and excitement in New York surrounding Senator Clinton’s historic campaign, and look forward to Monday’s announcement,” said Clinton campaign spokesman Blake Zeff.
The noon event is expected to be attended by a host of other New York Democrats, including state Attorney General Cuomo, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Lieutenant Governor Paterson, state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and state Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith.
In addition to state party leaders, the event will feature elected Democrats from across the state, including Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy from Long Island and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
For months, Mr. Spitzer has hedged about an endorsement of Mrs. Clinton, who leads national polls for the Democratic nomination. But the governor had dropped enough hints that the endorsement really came down to a guessing game about when – not if – it would happen.
“What an amazing president she will be for every person in this country,” Mr. Spitzer gushed late last month when the two were both speaking before a teachers’ convention in Washington.
New York Democrats have generally lined up behind Mrs. Clinton with a few exceptions: state Senator Bill Perkins, a former New York City Council member, recently endorsed the presidential bid of Senator Obama, Democrat of Illinois.
