Analysis: Calif. Boosts Political Clout

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

Analysis: Calif. Boosts Political Clout
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Apr 29, 6:53 PM (ET)

By BETH FOUHY

SAN DIEGO (AP) - It isn't every day on the campaign trail that New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson proclaims himself a Californian, or that Hillary Rodham Clinton pledges to be a president who respects gay relationships.

But with trendsetting California set to move its primary to next Feb. 5, candidates are scrambling to adjust to a new reality in which the state's votes, and not just its money, may have a decisive impact on the nominating process.


Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards shakes hands with supporters as he enters the California Democratic Convention in San Diego, Sunday, April 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

California's enhanced role in the political calendar was on full display this weekend, with nearly all the major Democratic contenders flying in to address the annual state party convention. Front-runners Clinton and Barack Obama took the stage Saturday, along with Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd and Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Richardson and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards addressed the gathering Sunday.

The candidates competed for the hearts of the mostly left-leaning delegates with fiery speeches denouncing the war in Iraq, and they took turns praising the state for its leadership on issues like energy efficiency. Each one extolled the ascension of San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker earlier this year.

Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070429/D8OQI4K00.html

[stimbox]

1. YES!!!!!!

It's about time we'll have a bigger influence.