Projo Politics Blog

Providence lawyer Angel Taveras’ phone did not stop ringing this afternoon in the wake of John Edwards' departure from the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Taveras, Edwards Rhode Island campaign chairman, took calls from supporters of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the last two major candidates vying for the Democratic nomination.

Despite the personal lobbying from such pols as former Providence Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr., a major Clinton supporter in the state, and Joseph Fernandez, the Providence city solicitor and a key Obama backer, Taveras said that he is not going to endorse either candidate until he has chance to speak personally with Edwards.

``I am very proud of the campaign John Edwards ran,’’ said Taveras. ``Poverty is something not very many people talked about. John made it a part of the national campaign and the national conversation.’’

``I haven’t had chance to speak to John yet,’’ said Taveras. ``After I speak with him we’ll see where we go from there.’’

-- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

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