AP: Edwards slower than top rivals in setting up California campaign
May 19, 2007
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards appears to be banking on doing well in early-voting states such as New Hampshire more than some of his top rivals.
Large states including California are holding their 2008 primaries earlier than ever, but Edwards is running a shoestring campaign there compared to his top rivals.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has a campaign manager, political director and field organizer in California and an office devoted to fundraising. Senator Barack Obama is leasing an office for a fundraising team and has hired a national consulting firm from Pasadena.
By contrast, Edwards has no campaign office or paid political staff in California, though two fundraising firms are on his payroll.
Veterans of past presidential campaigns say a candidate who takes that approach really must do well in the early states or face being out of the race.