Bradley Campaign Gains Endorsement Of Kerrey

By Mike Glover, Associated Press, July 6, 1999

CLIVE, Iowa -- Former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley said yesterday he gains invaluable insight from an experienced former Democratic presidential candidate in collecting the endorsement of Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey.

"This is very, very good day for the Bradley campaign," he said. "We got a big boost today."

Bradley and Kerrey formally announced the endorsement in Nebraska and in Iowa, where precinct caucuses launch the presidential nominating season.

Kerrey has "been through this process before, he's run for president of the United States before," said Bradley. "He understands the difficulty of getting your arms around a country as big and diverse as this."

Kerrey's endorsement makes him the second senator to back Bradley, joining Paul Wellstone, a Minnesota Democrat. Bradley is the only announced opponent of Vice President Al Gore for the Democratic nomination.

The endorsement by the two-term Nebraska senator and former governor isn't surprising. He has had tensions with the Clinton administration and was close to Bradley when they were Senate colleagues.

Any differences with Clinton and Gore were papered over during yesterday's announcement.

"I'm endorsing Bill Bradley for president, not because I dislike Al Gore. I like Al Gore a lot," said Kerrey. "For me the choice is between two friends. The choice is between two able leaders."

Most polls have shown Gore with a solid lead in the Democratic race.

Kerrey sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1992 and flirted with the idea of running again in 2000. In bowing out, he cited Bradley's presence in the race as a reason, arguing that Democrats were being offered a choice.

"He's been a leader on race, he's been a leader on some of the most contentious issues of our day," said Kerrey.