Edwards launches Missouri effort

[chimpymustgo]

Saturday, January 24, 2004 12:25PM EST

By JOHN WAGNER, Staff Writer

U.S. Sen. John Edwards will make a play for Missouri, his presidential campaign announced Saturday. Missouri is the largest of seven states scheduled to hold nominating contests on Feb. 3. South Carolina, a must-win state for Edwards, is among the others.

But until recently, none of the Democrats had campaigned actively in the state because it was assumed it would be won handily by U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri. The congressman's exit from the race on Tuesday sent candidates scrambling to decide how to respond. Gephardt's name will still appear on the ballot, though he has said he is not looking for "sympathy votes."

"It's wide open," said Edwards campaign spokesman Roger Salazar. "It's a state where we think the voters will identify with Senator Edwards."

-snip-

But the campaign did announce several Missouri staff members, including Julie Gibson and Mike Kelley, two former Gephardt advisers. Jennifer O'Malley, Edwards' Iowa field director, will also move to Missouri, the campaign said.


http://www.newsobserver.com/front/story/3267392p-2921485c.html
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[DjTj]

1. Great News!

With Missouri back in play, Feb 3 is going to be a serious battle all across the country.

I think Edwards can do very well where the other campaigns don't have their huge machinery in place.

[tryanhas]

2. Unless Gephardt is crazy enough to endorse Kerry

Hopefully Gephardt doesn't endorse anyone...

[Guaranteed]

3. Excellent move by Edwards.

40% of voters are now without their candidate, there in Missoorah, and they're just waiting for a charming face to come in and gobble them up.

I think Kerry's already there, though...Dean's been there for months.

[jenk]

4. go get 'em john!