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July 5, 2008

Carney gives nod to Clinton

Congressman says he followed through with an earlier promise to constituents.

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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Presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton has gained the endorsement of one of Pennsylvania’s last remaining uncommitted Democratic superdelegates.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, Dimock Township, e-mailed a statement early Friday morning saying he has followed through with an earlier promise to constituents to support the candidate who won the 10th Congressional District. Clinton defeated fellow Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama in the state’s April 22 primary election by garnering 70 percent of the Democrat vote.

“Pennsylvania’s 10th District overwhelmingly chose Sen. Clinton in the Pennsylvania primary and I will respect their decision,” he said in the brief statement.

Carney said he met with Clinton on Wednesday and let her know Thursday that he is supporting her.

Clinton, who is locked in a bitter battle with Obama that will come down to the votes of party superdelegates like Carney, sent out a statement Friday afternoon acknowledging Carney’s support.

“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Chris Carney,” said the New York senator whose family has ties to Northeast Pennsylvania. “Chris has run and won in a competitive district in a key battleground state. He understands what it takes to bring people together. I look forward to relying upon his advice and expertise on national security and foreign affairs as we work together to restore America’s leadership in the world.”

Carney faces a challenge this fall from Republican businessman Chris Hackett of Kingston Township in a historically Republican district. Carney was the first Democrat to win the seat in more than four decades and defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood after the four-term congressman admitted to having an extramarital affair.

Hackett sent an e-mail commenting on his opponent’s announcement.

“It’s nice to have clarified that Chris Carney is a Hillary Clinton Democrat. I’m proud to support John McCain for president.”

Mark Harris, Hackett’s campaign spokesman, took Carney to task for waiting so long to support a candidate after the lopsided primary results.

“This is typical of how Chris Carney operates, making a purely political move after the real outcome is already known. That’s not the kind of leadership our district deserves.”

With Carney’s pledge to support Clinton, Pennsylvania’s remaining undeclared Democratic superdelegate ranks are down to four. They are U.S. representatives Bob Brady in Philadelphia, Mike Doyle in Pittsburgh, Jason Altmire of the Pittsburgh suburbs and Tim Holden of Schuylkill County.

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