Story Created:
Oct 29, 2007 at 2:24 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Oct 29, 2007 at 2:24 PM EDT
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Several more leading Democrats in Indiana are endorsing Hillary Clinton for the party's presidential nomination.
State Democratic Chairman Dan Parker and Democratic National Committee members Phoebe Crane of Whitestown and Robert Pastrick of East Chicago are among 16 additional party leaders from Indiana backing Clinton, her campaign announced Monday. The list also includes several district chairmen.
"Indiana is ready for change, and Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver it," Parker said in a news release.
Clinton already was being endorsed by U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, Indiana House Speaker Patrick Bauer, former House Speaker John Gregg and former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon, among others.
Two former Democratic state party chairs — Robin Winston and Ann DeLaney — are among those backing John Edwards.
Among those backing Clinton's top primary opponent, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, are Melina Kennedy, who ran for Marion County prosecutor in 2006; former Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez and lobbyist and party activist Kip Tew.
Several big-name Republicans also are split.
Gov. Mitch Daniels and former U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., are among those backing Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is supported by Terre Haute attorney Jim Bopp, who is a member of the Republican National Committee, and Secretary of State Todd Rokita.
And former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is being helped by Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi and former Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith.