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Rep. Capps endorses Obama
Superdelegate cites cadidate's 'proven judgment' in her decision
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More from NationalWASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Lois Capps endorsed Barack Obama for president on Wednesday, handing the Illinois senator another important superdelegate vote in his drawn-out battle to nail down the Democratic nomination.
"Sen. Obama's proven judgment, his hopeful vision for America and his unmatched ability to motivate millions of Americans eager for change made the choice for me," the Santa Barbara Democrat said.
The decision wasn't easy, Capps said, and was made even more difficult because of her ties to both Obama and his rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Bill and Hillary Clinton raised money for Capps and campaigned for her when she decided to run for the congressional seat held by her husband, Walter, upon his death in 1997. The Clintons had also helped Walter Capps get elected, and Bill Clinton spoke at his memorial service.
The Capps' daughter, Laura, worked in the White House as a speechwriter to then-President Clinton. In an ironic twist, she is now married to Bill Burton, the national spokesman for the Obama campaign.
Drawn to Obama from start
Both Hillary Clinton and Obama would make fine presidents, Capps said. But she found herself drawn to Obama from the beginning, she said, because of the way he called out to the American people and the way in which he inspired thousands of first-time voters to register.
"He has promoted smart policies to address our nation's greatest challenges," Capps said. "He was right on Iraq when so many were wrong. He speaks with an eloquence that most public officials can only dream of and is inspiring millions of Americans to reconnect with politics or connect for the first time.
"And," she said, "he can win in November."
Yet, while all of those are good reasons to endorse his candidacy, Obama is the better choice "because of something larger and perhaps more important," Capps said.
"Simply put, he has made a call to the better angels of our nature," she said. "He is challenging us to lift ourselves out of the ugliness that increasingly consumes Washington, where the heat of your argument counts for more than the light it should bring."
Obama is asking Americans to stand together and transcend the traditional lines that have divided the country — party affiliation, economic status, gender, race, Capps said.
He also is calling on Americans to rethink their approach to problem solving in the face of enormous challenges, such as the war in Iraq, economic recession, global warming, record energy prices and the millions of uninsured Americans, Capps said.
"I believe in his effort to put our country on a new path and want to help him make that happen," she said.
Clinton called dedicated'
Capps said she still has "enormous respect" for Hillary Clinton, whom she called "smart, dedicated and a champion of those often underserved and forgotten."
"She has a remarkable record of achievement that inspires us all," Capps said.
Clinton carried California in the state's presidential primary Feb. 5. But Obama won in Capp's congressional district, which includes Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and part of Ventura County.
Capps, however, said that really was not a factor in her decision to endorse Obama. "This is a time in history I haven't seen before, and whatever positive contributions I can make to a positive campaign, I want to do that," she said.
Obama said he was honored to have Capps' endorsement.
"As one of only three nurses in Congress, Lois' life's work has been about making a real difference in the well-being of children and families — from the schools where her children were taught to the U.S. House of Representatives," he said in a statement released by his campaign.
"I look forward to fighting alongside her in the months ahead to finally make universal healthcare a reality, strengthen our economy, and bring about real change for the people of California and for all Americans."
Capps was one of three Democrats in Congress to throw their support to Obama on Wednesday. The two others were Rep. Bruce Braley of Iowa and Rep. Baron Hill of Indiana.
Obama leads Clinton in the overall delegate count but still lacks enough delegates to wrap up the nomination.
Mad scramble for support
Neither Obama nor Clinton will be able to secure the nomination without the backing of superdelegates — the nearly 800 party leaders, elected officials and other insiders who are not bound to either candidate.
The close race has touched off a mad scramble by the candidates and their surrogates to win the support of superdelegates.
Clinton has held the lead among superdelegates, but Obama appears close to catching up as a number of them have thrown their support to him in recent weeks.
According to the Associated Press, Obama now trails Clinton by just 20 superdelegates, 243-263, cutting her lead in half in less than two months. About 230 remain undecided, and about 60 more will be selected at state party conventions and meetings throughout the spring.
Several prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, have urged superdelegates to make their preferences known before the party's national convention in Denver in August.
Posted by jw1000 on May 1, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A careful review of Lois Capps voting record shows that she is to the left of Barbara Boxer and Nancy Pelosi. Classic left wing nutjob.
Posted by Face on May 1, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DOH Comment Dump! Some of the best and most articulated comments I had read... what a dastardly shame.
Posted by jw1000 on May 1, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is a story from the LA Times this morning that mentions our other nutjob, Elton Gallegly, complaining about being required to dump his beloved taxpayer funded gas guzzling Expedition in favor of a fuel efficient car:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-...
Posted by Deek56 on May 1, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Couldn't help myself but I had to again post this classic statement by Ms Capps, "Sen. Obama's proven judgment...," Judgment? 20 yrs of Jeremiah Wright? In cahoots with Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn (Weather Underground Terrorists), and friends / neighbors with indicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, not to mention his wife, Michelle's classic statements about how screwed up our country is. A senator with no proven voting record who has never reached across the aisle in Washington. And on and on...but hey who am I to judge? I'm just a "bitter" working class voter who clings to "guns" and my "religion." I guess at this point I'd have to also question Ms Capps judgment. Go figure.
Posted by Nosmo_King on May 1, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This endorsement speaks volumes of Lois Capps' judgment.
Posted by rebel123 on May 1, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Deek56......our country is screwed up. Big time. Admitting that is something that I wish more politicians would do. Maybe then we could get on with fixing some issues instead of wrapping ourselves in the flag and turning a blind eye to the monstrous issues that face this country today.
Posted by jmcgaw3046 on May 1, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess that she like the most liberal of liberals who did nothing in the senate. He has been there for 2 years of which he spent 1 campaign for President. Stuff beside the Rev Wright is starting to come out about him. Some true but some not, however even if it is not true if it is passed on enough people will wonder. The only thing a nomination for Obama will do is to elect McCain. The Republicans will run him through a meat grinder. The media has fallen all over it self making him look good, however promise change, but what is the change. Maybe Jesse Jackson on the cabinet.
Posted by 1Patriot on May 1, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The real deal is America is partially populated with LOSERS who think they should get a FREE RIDE on the backs of those of us who get up and work hard every day. These people are the whiners who promise change and LOSERS buy the line because they hope for a free ride. Dumb sheep don't realize that all of this "change" they're being fed is going to cost BIG MONEY. Of course, most don't care because they have little or nothing to lose... They sure know their right to vote and this will be the downfall of America. Like I tell my friends; If you want to do something special in your life, be sure to do it this year because America will change forever starting in Jan 09. If you really believe the Dems are going to change our country, look at what that awesome congress hasn't done since they took over. AND Finally, President Bush didn't get us in this war alone! Please feel free to Whine Away!
Posted by beachbummdp on May 1, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Better late than never, eh Lois? Nothing says political courage like endorsing a candidate after he's already won the nomination, and yes it is over the only person who doesn't know it's over is Hillary McBush.
Posted by macdaddycrabby on May 1, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bring back Nixon.
Posted by Face on May 1, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I had some fun, sing this to the tune of Daisey Dukes:
CHORUS:
Oh Obama... What's that drama?
Look at them bills you voted on...
(I want cha to)
Look at them bills you voted on...
(Everybody)
Look at them bills you voted on...
(I want cha to)
Look at them bills you voted on...
Verse:
Say look at them bills you voted on
Obama you really got it goin' on
Lookin' all nice 'n' left
That votin' record's got you def
I do like it not
When you showin' me alil somethin' watcha got
Yo 'bama won your last race so easy it makes me puke
The way ya'll kickin' wit Wright then refute
CHORUS Repeat
Verse:
Hey you in the black boots
Hanging out with someone of Wright's repute
Lookin' real fly while in cahoots
In the church like you do to
Im Sno here to relate to you
Gonna start a trend of Obama refute
Eversince some of the 90's
'Bama's lookin' good with a future behind see
Many terms are used to express
We're talkin' 'bout the duty
Not the rests
'Bama got flak and a junk in the trunk
Wright's got a six-pack
Gives a hell-of-a slump
Yo please some lies from that snake
See many terms are used to relate
I love the Pols with the big ol' pockets
But where i'm from they call 'em prophets
Pretty round wallets hangin' from the jeans
Even Obama keeps the country theme
So if you get it, got it, good
So dip the dug out
these flukes are turnin' out
Sing!!!
Posted by Face on May 1, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your knees'll start shakin' and your fingers pop like pinch on the neck from Mr. Spock.
Posted by Face on May 1, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL Hit it Mm!
Posted by pfg93003 on May 1, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Libtards, thanks for now allowing us to drill for oil and not build new refineries in three decades. Four bucks a gallon with no end in sight, you are Hugo Chavez's best ally.
Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Obama is the clear choice, winning Guam like he did, shows our nation has chosen clearly.
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