7th ranked House Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT3) is set to endorse Senator Barack Obama in a press conference tomorrow morning. This is a bit of a repudiation of Senator Clinton, as Rep. DeLauro's husband is former Clinton pollster, Stanley Greenberg.
In doing so, Rep. DeLauro will join 5th ranked House Democratic Representative John Larson (D-CT1).
Taken together, these endorsements are highly significant for the outcome of the Connecticut Primary...
First, both are long-serving and highly-regarded Representatives of their districts - with extensive contact lists and enthusiastic supporters. They probably have more ability than the average Representative to get the vote out in support of their preferred candidate. The GOTV that will result from these endorsements is likely to be significant.
Second, and more importantly (delegate count-wise), both the first and third districts have an odd number of delegates (as does the fourth which is represented by Republican Chris Shays; the second and fifth have even numbers) - the winner of these two districts can expect an extra delegate to the DNC. In what is expected to a close contest (both nationally and in Connecticut), where every delegate (nationally) and every vote (in their districts) are likely to matter, these endorsements could provide the margin of victory - and two extra delegates.
Finally, CT3 is dominated by New Haven and CT1 is dominated by Hartford, and both districts include a significant student population. Demographically, these are districts that Obama can win - and maybe even win big enough, with some GOTV help, to pick up one more delegate!
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