Staff report
Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., soon may announce an endorsement in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, and though Clyburn's office isn't commenting, signs point to him supporting Rep. Dick Gephardt, a close friend in Congress.
The political news report Roll Call reported Monday that Gephardt is expected to receive Clyburn's official endorsement, quoting "informed Democratic sources."
Clyburn did not respond to requests for an interview from The Post and Courier.
Gephardt's campaign team was optimistic Monday. "Right now, we're still talking to him," said Kim Molstre, with the Gephardt campaign in Washington.
In Columbia, Ike Williams, director of Gephardt's South Carolina campaign, said he thought an announcement could come as soon as Thursday. "I know Thursday is a big day," he said, adding that if Clyburn does endorse Gephardt, "it would be a big boost for our campaign."
Adding that nothing is certain, Williams said, "Jim Clyburn holds many things close to his vest."
This weekend, Gephardt is scheduled to campaign in the Upstate, around Columbia and in the Pee Dee. Clyburn, the state's only black congressman, represents the 6th District, which includes parts of the Charleston area.
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