Assemblyman says he’s backing Edwards

Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, said Tuesday that he's proud to be lending his "meager support" to John Edwards' presidential campaign.

The retired schoolteacher and Assembly Judiciary Committee chairman said he thinks Edwards will do especially well in Northern Nevada and rural areas and can win both the state's caucuses and the presidency.

Other Democratic presidential candidates also recently announced pledges of support from Nevada legislators. State Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, has endorsed Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, while Assemblywoman Susan Gerhardt, D-Henderson, recently endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

In a conference call with reporters, Anderson noted that of five Democratic Assembly members from Washoe County, two -- 40 percent -- have now endorsed Edwards. The other is Assemblyman David Bobzien, D-Reno.

Edwards, he said, "understands what it's like to grow up in a small town, a small community. He has those kinds of values at heart, and you can see it in the things that he does."

Anderson said he frequently is asked about the presidential contest: at church, at the grocery store, at a speech to a local school, on the phone.

"People are talking to me everywhere I go," he said. "I think that they're very engaged" with the race."

Anderson said he was glad to get the endorsement off his chest.

"Now that I've made up my mind, it'll be much easier to answer those telephone calls," he said.