Inside Politics

Edwards‘ shuffle

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards is reshuffling the ranks of his presidential campaign staff, adding two prominent Democratic operatives as senior advisers and shifting some responsibilities from campaign managerDavid Bonior.

Paul Blank andChris Kofinis, leaders of the labor-backed anti-Wal-Mart effort “Wake Up Wal-Mart,” were expected to join the Edwards campaign as early as next week. Mr. Blank would take over day-to-day campaign operations, while Mr. Kofinis would serve as communications director.

The deal was not yet final but was expected to be completed in the next few days, advisers said.

Mr. Blank was political director forHoward Dean‘s2004 presidential effort and remains close to former Dean campaign managerJoe Trippi, who is now serving as a senior adviser to the Edwards effort.

Mr. Bonior, a former Michigan congressman, would retain the title of campaign manager but step up his role as public spokesman for the campaign. He’s also expected to travel extensively with Mr. Edwards, the Associated Press reports.

The changes come after a disappointing fundraising quarter for Mr. Edwards and some ongoing communications challenges, including the continued fallout over his $400 haircuts and connection to a New York-based hedge fund.

Gephardt’s favorite

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton scooped up a presidential campaign endorsement yesterday from former House Democratic leaderRichard A. Gephardt of Missouri.

He told reporters on a conference call that he supports the former first lady because she is the most experienced among the Democratic contenders.

Describing himself as a “has-been politician,” Mr. Gephardt, who dropped his own White House bid in 2004 after performing poorly in the Iowa caucuses, said he wasn’t sure he would be of much help to Mrs. Clinton.

“I have no illusions about being any big factor in this campaign,” he said.

He lauded Mrs. Clinton as having the most relevant “experience and depth of character” to lead the country “from Day One,” reports Christina Bellantoniof The Washington Times.

“Hillary played a unique role as the spouse to President Clinton,” Mr. Gephardt said. “She knows what it means to be a president, has seen firsthand the variety of issues and challenges put before a president.”

Mr. Gephardt will serve as an economic adviser to the campaign.

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