Edwards' wife denies plans to back Clinton

WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- Elizabeth Edwards has rejected speculation that she might endorse Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The wife of former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards sent an e-mail to The Politico Sunday advising against listening to the pundits' explanation of why she failed to appear with her husband when he announced his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama.

"It you listened to what I said and not to what the pundits said, I was thinking you would know that I was never inclined to endorse," Edwards told The Politico.

An endorsement from Elizabeth Edwards would help Clinton with voters who are concerned about healthcare issues, as well as those who admire her for her fight against breast cancer.

Edwards serves as a fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress.