Hotline reports:
Later today, John Edwards’ One America Cmte will announce that ex-Rep. David Bonior (D-MI) has come aboard as a senior adviser for policy and politics. But Bonior’s role on a presidential effort will be far greater than simply “adviser.” According to a source close to Edwards, Bonior (a former House Min. Whip under Dick Gephardt) will likely assume the role of “campaign manager” should Edwards decide to run in ’08.
Bonior’s long been known as someone very close to labor and his high profile post with Edwards will certainly raise the expectations of labor support for the ’04 VP nominee. Bonior — currently the chair of American Rights at Work — served in Congress for 26 years and was Whip for 11 years. In ’02, Bonior left Congress to run for MI GOV; he finished second in a 3-way Dem primary to Jennifer Granholm. Born in Detroit, Bonior, who is pro-life, graduated from the Univ. of Iowa (a convenient alma mater for WH ’08) and served in the United States Air Force for four years.
I am very familiar with Bonior…he went to high school with my ex-father-in-law. He’s from Macomb County, Michigan, the ultimate swing district and famous home of the Reagan Democrats. I have no idea whether he has the skills to be an effective campaign manager but he definitely has the connections to be of tremdendous use to John Edwards. I expect Bonior will be able to help Edwards in the Nevada caucuses because of his close relations with organized labor. Some might be alarmed at his pro-life views, but I don’t think they will have any effect on Edwards, while they might make some lifers a little more open to taking a look at Edwards.
In other campaign news, take a look at Chris Bowers’ thoughts on Obama.
I’ll repeat what I posted elsewhere. Obama has gone from zero to presidential candidate in what surely must be record time. I have concerns which weren’t helped by reading the Bowers post. Apparently, Obama already sees the need to differentiate himself from those crazy extreme lefties and put distance between himself and his past statements. Good planning I suppose if you are trying to appeal to the single broadest swath of the electorate, but not if you are truly committed to addressing the ills of society.
I’m from Michigan, although I have lived away since 1990. I remember Bonior as a truly principled progressive voice, outspoken and a real fighter for our values. I remember him standing up brilliantly for us on many issues — and I was so sorry when he retired from Washington.
I am thrilled to read this piece on Edwards choosing him– It helps me to believe more in Edwards who I have not quite trusted, although I appreciate much of what he has had to say.
I am inclined to have a much higher opinion of Edwards now. This is really great news!
Never lived in Michigan but always thought of Bonior as a real stand up guy and was also sorry to see him leave the Congress. Can’t say that this would convince me to vote for him, but it gives Edwards more credibility in my book as I’m sure Bonior did his vetting.
I am from Michigan and this is great news. This helps to confirm the good vibes I have been feeling about Edwards.
This is excellent news. I will definitely give Edwards more consideration.