WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Democratic presidential frontrunner Howard Dean has won more congressional endorsements than any of his rivals.
Tuesday's endorsement of Dean by Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi brought him to a slight lead over Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, 35 vs. 34.
The two are followed by Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts with 22 endorsements, Gen. Wesley Clark with 19 and Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut with 14.
Unless they come from prominent party members or well-recognized legislators, endorsements from members of Congress are not considered integral to gaining popular support.
However, they can help in gaining attention for a candidate at the local level and reflect the level of acceptance of the candidate in the party.
