Feb 24, 2006 6:17 pm US/Central
Obama Takes Stand In Two Primary Fights
by Mike Flannery
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Despite having the strongest voter approval ratings of anyone in the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has said he does not want to be a political kingmaker.
But now, for the first time, Obama is taking sides in two primary fights. As CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, that is making some people angry.
Democrat Paul Mangieri told seniors in south suburban Thornton Township on Friday that he is campaigning for state treasurer the old-fashioned way, and he cannot afford television advertisements like one that his opponent, Alexi Giannoulias, has put together featuring Obama.
Not so long ago, Obama told us such endorsements were not his style.
"I don't want to be the kingmaker," Obama said not long ago. "It's never been sort of a role that I've aspired to in politics. You know, my job is in Washington, and I think the people make the good judgment."
But Obama has also endorsed Iraq War veteran and double amputee Tammy Duckworth in the race for the Sixth Congressional District in DuPage County and western Cook County. That has offended her opponent, Christine Cegelis.
"I told him I was disappointed, because I feel that he had not done do his homework about the district," Cegelis said.
Cegelis added, "It has certainly made some people very angry. I know that many of my supporters have sent him letters saying that they were disappointed that he would endorse in the primary."
Duckworth said, "I am very, very appreciative of the senator's trust and confidence in my ability to serve the people of the Sixth District."
Giannoulias said of being endorsed by Obama: "I definitely think it's a plus. I don't think it's about Barack being a kingmaker. I think it's about him helping people he believes are qualified for the offices they're seeking."
Mangieri said: "Senator Obama is honoring a commitment that was made to him. I think what he is doing is reacting to some support that was shown him. I think that was only human nature."
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