WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- Presumed U.S. Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry Monday thanked candidate Al Sharpton for endorsing his campaign.
"I welcome his endorsement and thank him for helping to unify the Democratic Party toward our common goal: to beat George Bush in November and put America back on the right track," the Massachusetts senator said in a statement.
Sharpton, a minister and New York activist, has remained in the race despite his failure to win a single primary or caucus contest. With Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, the two are the only opponents remaining in the field as Kerry continues to consolidate his overwhelming lead.
The Federal Election Commission Friday approved the disbursement of $100,000 in federal matching funds to Sharpton's campaign, but rumors had circulated as of last week that Sharpton was considering what he would do after dropping out of the race.
However, despite Kerry's statement Monday, The New York Post reports the campaign has been concerned over the role Sharpton will play in the race.
"The Kerry camp thinks that, on balance, they might be better off without Sharpton on their side," one senior state Democrat told the paper.
