Kerry, Edwards stump for their home teams

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Senators John F. Kerry of Massachusetts and John Edwards of North Carolina anxiously awaited the results of the New Hampshire primary last night, but it is not the only contest the two presidential contenders will sweat about this week.

Kerry will be cheering for the New England Patriots this Sunday in Super Bowl XXXVIII, while Edwards will be rooting for his home state's team, the Carolina Panthers.

In interviews, both Democratic candidates professed loyalty to their teams and saw parallels between presidential politics and professional football.

"The Patriots have a good ground game, like we do; a good air game, like we do," Kerry said. "They can call an audible and are capable at defense. We do it all, too. The New England Patriots charge, and we're going to fight to the last minute."

Edwards said he stands with his team, even though it was tantamount to rooting for the New York Yankees while visiting Boston. "I'm with the Panthers all the way, as I have been from the start," he said. "Unfortunately, I've missed most of the games this season because I've been campaigning."

So far, the two senators have not followed political tradition and bet each other on the Super Bowl. A delicacy from each's home state usually rides on the wager.

Glen Johnson can be reached at johnson@globe.com.