Biden could give Obama a lift in Florida (Miami Herald)

[jefferson_dem]

Biden could give Obama a lift in Florida
BY BETH REINHARD AND LESLEY CLARK

Barack Obama's choice of Joe Biden as a running mate could give the ticket a boost in Florida -- thanks to Biden's ties to South Florida, including support among a cadre of influential Democratic fundraisers.

Enthusiastic Democrats said Saturday they expect Biden to help Obama in the state by shoring up support among a group of longtime Democratic fundraisers and activists who have staunchly supported Hillary Clinton.

''As far as uniting the party, Joe Biden is going to contribute significantly to that,'' said Miami developer Michael Adler, who has known Biden since the early 1970s, when his sister, Karen, was one of Biden's first legislative aides. ``Joe has been around the Democratic Party for a long time, so he can be a bridge between the established network and the new people with the Obama campaign.''

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said he talked with Obama last Tuesday and put forth two names: Biden and Clinton.

''He's an excellent choice for Barack in Florida,'' Nelson said of Biden, noting that he ''knows all the players on the world stage,'' but has never lost touch with his working-class roots.

''He's got appeal across the board,'' Nelson said.

And Democrats suggested Biden strengthens Obama's foreign policy credentials and could help build trust among Jewish voters who have viewed Obama with some caution.

''Senator Biden will be an especially effective advocate for the Obama-Biden ticket in South Florida given his unwavering support for U.S.-Israel relations...'' said Rep. Robert Wexler, who as Obama's Florida campaign co-chair has sought to assure Jewish voters of Obama's pro-Israel credentials.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a onetime Clinton delegate, said she has been a fan of Biden's since college -- 20 years ago as a member of Students for Biden.

''His foreign policy expertise, his support for Israel and his deep understanding of economic issues make him the perfect choice as Barack Obama's running mate in these times of economic hardship and global strife,'' the Weston Democrat said.

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/campaign-2008/v-print/story/655077.html

[MarjorieG]

1. Gosh, don't want so many resources going to FL with Crist, and voting still problematic.

[dkf]

2. No wonder Debbie Wasserman Schultz was so positive today.

She was for Biden before she was for Hillary.