Bowles Anticipates Blue's Endorsement

Rep. Dan Blue, D-Wake, who lost in his bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, has yet to endorse Erskine Bowles, the victor in Tuesday's primary election.

But Blue's campaign manager, Jill Harris, said Blue will be meeting with Bowles within the next few days to discuss certain key issues.

"Dan has always been a loyal Democrat and has supported Democratic candidates, and I'm sure they'll be able to work something out," she said.

Blue was not available for comment Wednesday.

But Bowles spokesman Brad Woodhouse said Blue has already privately pledged his support.

"He and Erskine spoke last night. He has been very gracious," he said. "We were very pleased with his pledge he made last night in a phone conversation with Erskine. We're pleased he's going to support him."

Woodhouse said Blue's endorsement, either public or private, is significant to the Bowles campaign.

"It's been very important to have the support of all the people you can," he said.

Ferrel Guillory, director of the Program on Southern Politics, Media and Public Life, said Bowles' campaign efforts might be harmed if Blue does not publically endorse Bowles.

"It could hurt," he said. "Dan Blue obviously needs a little time to heal. He expended a lot of energy on this race, and if he doesn't endorse Bowles, it could hurt."

But Guillory said that even if Blue does not ultimately give his endorsement, Bowles would have key supporters who could help him pull off a win.

"Some of his other supporters can help him overcome the lack of an endorsement by Dan Blue," he said.

N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who finished third in the Democratic primary, endorsed Bowles on Tuesday night when he was chosen to represent the party.

UNC political science Professor Thad Beyle said party unity is key to winning elections. He said Bowles needs all the votes garnered by other potential nominees to win in November.

Bowles received almost 44 percent of the vote in Tuesday's primary election. Blue garnered 29 percent, and Marshall came in third with 15 percent of the vote.

Beyle said Democratic party members will more than likely urge Blue to support Bowles.

"People that know him are going to say, 'You need to do this for the party,'" he said.

 

Assistant State & National Editor Jennifer Samuels contributed to this article.
The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.