by Christi Parsons
DES MOINES -- Are Democrats Bill Richardson and Joe Biden asking their people to back Barack Obama in tonight's caucuses, if their first-choice candidate doesn't get enough supporters to be viable?
Richardson and Biden aides say there's no such deal.
And aides to Obama say that, if there were, they'd be the first to broadcast it -- as they did the other day when Democrat Dennis Kucinich issued such an advisory to his supporters.
But in the precincts, more than one Obama captain says they've been reaching out to the other candidates' precinct captains, inviting them to throw in with Obama, if they can't muster enough support for their candidate of choice.
The Obama organization is strongly encouraging that.
Word of a more formal arrangement is incorrect, said Pahl Shipley, a Richardson spokesman.
"We have not made any deals with any other campaigns," he said. "We expect to be viable in most, if not all, precincts and we are looking for a strong showing."
Besides, he says, "You cannot tell Iowans who to support. They are very independent."
Biden aides echoed the thought.
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Comments
I have heard this rumor so much that it is hard to discount.
It would taint any "victory" Obama might achieve.
Posted by: Oscar | January 3, 2008 7:11 PM
All Aboard the "BARACK OBAMA for President" Train!
~Train leaves from Paulo's slumhouse in Crestwood @ 7PM sharp~
OBAMA 08!
Posted by: John E | January 3, 2008 7:12 PM
It would taint any "victory" Obama might achieve.
Posted by: Oscar | January 3, 2008 7:11 PM
Why? How would being the second choice of some of the other candidates "taint" his victory? It would seem to me it shows he's able to unite some of the differing parts of the Democratic Party.
Posted by: AJF | January 3, 2008 10:01 PM
John E.,
My theory is that Paulo is not his name at all, but rather his place of birth. Sao Paulo, Brazil is skinhead central. The blogger known as Paulo is rumored to be living in Harwood Heights.
Posted by: dt | January 3, 2008 10:32 PM