Advisory: Politics expert Jack Fleer says Edwards is survivor in race for nomination

Jack Fleer, professor emeritus of political science at Wake Forest University and author of the book “North Carolina Politics,” is available to comment on U.S. Sen. John Edwards’ presidential run. Fleer has been a keen observer of North Carolina politics for more than 30 years, and he has followed Edwards’ career since 1998 when he won the U.S. Senate seat during his first run for office.

Fleer says that former Vermont governor Howard Dean’s announcement that he will drop out of the running for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president could be a boost for Edwards.

“This is a major step because Edwards is the survivor in the race,” Fleer said. “This clearly brings it down to a two-person race and for Edwards that is a positive thing. I still don’t think it alters the most likely outcome which is (Sen. John) Kerry, but it does strengthen the possibility of Edwards being on the ticket.”

Fleer says Edwards’ finish in Wisconsin is telling because exit polls show that he remains popular with independent voters and moderate Republicans. That is going to be important in winning for the Democrats, Fleer says, because they cannot beat George W. Bush with their own base of voters. If Edwards is on the ticket, either as the presidential or vice presidential candidate, it might be a plus for the Democrats, Fleer says.

Contact Fleer directly at 336-758-5865, or through Jacob McConnico at mcconnjn@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237 or 5238.

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