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Leahys Star in Ad for Obama

Burlington, Vermont - February 18, 2008

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, and his wife Marcelle unveiled a radio ad Monday supporting Barack Obama for president.

"We need a president who can bring people together and stop the bickering and partisanship in Washington," Mrs. Leahy says in the ad.

"And start solving the problems facing us and future generations," agrees Sen. Leahy.

Leahy says Obama did not ask for his endorsement... and Leahy in fact calls Obama rival Hillary Clinton one of the best and most capable Senators he's ever served with. But Leahy is lending his support to Obama because he believes in his message of change. Leahy is a so-called "super delegate." Members of that group automatically get a vote at the party convention and may decide the presidential nominee.

"I think the super delegates will be important, but I would hope that we'll know who the candidate will be before the convention," says Sen. Leahy.

Leahy says he will travel to Ohio and Missouri this week to campaign for Obama-- appealing to both voters and super delegates in those states. Obama also picked up the endorsements from the men who founded Vermont's most famous ice cream brand. Ben & Jerry will drive "Obama Mobiles" rallying support.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News