Maryland supporters react to John Edwards' withdrawal

Del. Luiz SimmonsSimmons Backs Clinton

State supporters of the presidential campaign of former Sen. John Edwards reacted to the North Carolinian's decision to withdraw from the race.

This morning, aides to the senator announced that he would withdraw at 1 p.m. in New Orleans — at the site where he began his campaign in December 2006.

“I think he saw the locomotive of history coming down the tracks and decided to step away,” Del. Luiz Simmons told PolitickerMD.com.

Simmons thought there were “historical forces at work,” referring to the candidacies of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Simmons expressed his support for Clinton among the two Democrats, touting her experience and leadership abilities.

The delegate praised Obama as an "admired man" who is “very credible and exciting."

In addition, Simmons said he thought Edwards “would have made a great president,” saying the former vice presidential nominee “demonstrated his convictions.” Simmons also said he thought Edwards’ “passion” would “be lost.”

Del. Mike Weir Jr.Two of Simmons’ colleagues, Delegates Michael Weir, Jr. and Victor R. Ramirez also spoke with PolitickerMD.com about the withdrawal of their favored candidate.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Weir said.

Weir added that he would likely refrain from publicly endorsing either Obama or Clinton, saying that he did not have a favorite among the two. He anticpated the contest between them would be a “slugfest.”

On Clinton, the delegate said the senator from New York was “a very strong politician” who had “learned from her husband” on how to be a tough campaigner.

Weir said he thought Obama was “absolutely charismatic,” adding that the senator’s appeal to young voters had “connections back to the Kennedy days.”

Del. Ramirez said he thought Edwards “fought the good fight,” adding that he “presented himself very well.”

Del. Victor RamirezLike Weir, Ramirez said he would not endorse a Democratic candidate “right now,” adding that it was “hard to say” if he would endorse before the Maryland primary on Feb. 12.

Ramirez did not say he had a favorite between Obama and Clinton, saying that Obama brought a “movement and vision” that was “very refreshing,” while Clinton offered “experience.”

Each of the delegates expressed admiration for Edwards’ populist campaign theme, which largely revolved around an anti-poverty and 'anti-corporate greed' message.

“Without him, these issues would not have been raised,” Ramirez said.

The delegates also expressed support for Edwards’ universal health care plan.

Obama and Clinton will participate in a debate Thursday night in Los Angeles.