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Senator Byrd backs Obama

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor May 19, 2008 02:08 PM

Robert Byrd, the dean of Democrats in the US Senate, announced today that he will support Barack Obama, calling him a "shining young statesman" who can extricate the country from the Iraq war.

Byrd did not endorse before last week's primary in his home state of West Virginia, which Hillary Clinton won, but said he decided to make his allegiance public because of the continuing toll in Iraq.

"As people all across this great nation know, I have been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush Administration’s misguided war in Iraq and its saber rattling around the globe," Byrd said in a statement issued by the Obama campaign.

"With the Bush Administration's latest request to fund this on-going war in Iraq without any attempt to start bringing our troops home, the issue of the upcoming presidential contest has been weighing heavily on my heart. The loss of life continues and the sons and daughters of tens of thousands of American families remain in harm’s way every day."

UPDATE: Obama also announced the endorsement of another superdelegate, Kansas Democratic Party Chairman Larry Gates, who praised Obama's reach into traditionally Republican states.

“Kansans can unite behind Sen. Obama and his positive campaign, and that is why I have chosen to endorse him,” Gates said in a statement. “He has proven his ability to bring Democrats, Republicans and Independents together, and holds the same commitment to working across party lines as Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius," he said, naming someone on many pundits' list of possible vice presidential picks.

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HILLARY CLINTON 2008 OR 2012 SHE WILL WIN

Posted by wiliam l May 19, 08 02:17 PM
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Thank you, Senator Byrd!!!

Obama needed you during the WV primary, but we will take your support now.

Obama 08!!!

Posted by Sherri May 19, 08 03:17 PM
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Hilliary Clinton kills two Birds in one stone.

Posted by skmj May 19, 08 04:12 PM
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Dear Mr. Byrd:
I am an African American woman who lived in WV for 5 years. I tried to make a go of it down there because that is truly a beautiful land. No way do the city streets come close to looking like heaven as do the mountains and streams of WV. I certainly see why you love it there. But the hearts and minds of far too many of the people there are closed. I had to leave because of the hatred I was confronted with. Not everyone, but more than anyone should have to live with on a daily bases. And don't even think of finding employment. Even with education and experience, prejudice would rear its' head. So I beg of you, Senator, help them to see that we all need each other.

I'm sorry that you witheld your support until after the Primary but do all you can now, please. You say that you are a changed man. Right now, Mr. Byrd, I'm not seeing it or feeling it, neither is the rest of the country.

Posted by L. Hall May 19, 08 05:07 PM
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senator byrd,i need your email to send you pictures of how our american flag is being abused. what is happening to our country/

Posted by marjorie messick April 17, 09 07:12 AM
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