McGovern endorses Clinton's campaign
WASHINGTON -- US Representative James P. McGovern of Worcester yesterday announced his support for Senator Hillary Clinton in the first presidential endorsement by a member of Massachusetts' all-Democratic congressional delegation.
McGovern, a six-term Democrat, said he chose to support Clinton largely because of her potential to make history: If she wins in 2008, Clinton would become the nation's first female president. His decision was crystallized, McGovern said, when he heard his 5-year-old daughter, Molly, excitedly discussing Clinton's candidacy with her kindergarten classmates.
"I don't think she's the establishment candidate -- this is a bold, gutsy candidacy that if it succeeds is going to change politics in America," McGovern said. "This is a big moment. These little girls that are learning about presidents are learning about only men who would be president. Now, all of a sudden, the glass ceiling is broken."
In a conference call with reporters, Clinton, a New York Democrat, said she and McGovern share a vision for the country's direction and want to work together to make Molly's future a bright one.
"Jim McGovern and I believe that government should be on your side," she said. "It's not there to do things for you, but to be there with you."
McGovern voted against the Iraq war and is one of its fiercest critics. He has filed a bill that would immediately cut off funds for the war, a move that would force President Bush to end the US troop presence in Iraq.
Though Clinton has faced steady criticism over her early support for the war, McGovern said he isn't bothered by the fact that she voted for the war and does not support his effort to cut off funds.
"There's more to this race than Iraq," McGovern said. "There's nobody that hates this war more than I do, and my hope is that we can end it before the next president takes office. But if we don't, I know she'll end it as president of the United States."
The eight Democratic presidential candidates have coveted the 10 House members from Massachusetts after home-state senator John F. Kerry decided he would forgo a run in 2008. Kerry and his senior Massachusetts colleague, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, have not yet endorsed candidates for the 2008 Democratic primary. 