Iowa First Lady Backs Edwards

Iowa’s first lady backed John Edwards today but said her husband would steer clear of endorsements, the Des Moines Register reports. "I'm my own person," said Mari Culver, wife of Gov. Chet Culver. "I have my own political interests." Tom Vilsack similarly stayed above the fray in 2004, but his wife, Christie, endorsed John Kerry, who won the caucuses.

"I think it gave some energy and momentum to his campaign," Edwards said of his eventual running mate. Mari Culver said she supports Edwards' health care plan and pointed to polls showing the ex-senator most likely to defeat a GOP nominee in 2008. Edwards, reacting to the Register's endorsement of Hillary Clinton, commended her and then focused on his "big boost" from Culver. (More John Edwards stories.)