'The Group' Backs Hillary Clinton in New Jersey

In New Jersey, presidential hopefuls court 'The Group'

By ANGELA DELLI SANTI
Associated Press Writer


TRENTON, N.J. -- A small group of Democrats with an attraction to national politics, the diversity to mobilize voters and the connections to raise millions could have a big impact on the 2008 presidential race in New Jersey.

The high-profile lawyers, business owners, suburban politicians and civic leaders informally call themselves The Group. Together, they could represent the archway for the winning presidential candidate in the Garden State.

"It's clear that this group is not only able to deliver money, but also able to deliver votes," said the Rev. Reginald Jackson, executive director of the Black Ministers' Council of New Jersey, and a group member. "We have influence in a host of areas around the state that are needed to deliver a victory. It's a matter of leadership as well as money."

The Group organized with a single focus: to find a presidential candidate to back in 2008.

Initially, they zeroed in on former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner. After Warner dropped out, The Group threw its political weight to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Before making an endorsement, The Group grilled each of the party's half-dozen or so serious presidential contenders.

They met Sen. Joe Biden at his home in Delaware, sat with 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards and Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh in New York City, chatted with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson at Pal's Cabin in Essex County, and met Clinton in Washington. (One member met privately with Barack Obama, but scheduling conflicts prevented the Illinois senator from meeting with entire group.)

Group co-founder Alfred DeCotiis, a prominent Democratic fundraiser and former Democratic National Committeeman, is convinced Clinton is as electable as her two-term husband despite a high number of potential voters who say they don't like her.

"I always thought Hillary was more impressive than Bill," said DeCotiis, who has known the former first couple for 15 years. "She is much more thoughtful, she is much more of a policy person. She was clearly Bill Clinton's co-president. She is really wonderful."

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