Political expert: Edwards not a likely VP candidate

RALEIGH, N.C. — Political experts say John Edwards’ endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama has benefitted both men, but may not lead to Edwards serving as a vice presidential candidate should Obama win the nomination.

“Having this kind of attention, getting on the Obama bandwagon at this point is good for him. He looks like a winner again instead of a loser,” said Gary Pearce, who ran Edwards’ 1998 U.S. Senate campaign.

After one term of representing North Carolina in the Senate, the one-time trial lawyer rose to political prominence. He was on Al Gore's short list for vice president in 2000 after serving just two years in office. He ran for president in 2004, and after he lost to John Kerry, the nominee picked him as a running mate.

Edwards bestowed his long-sought endorsement to Obama on Wednesday. Both Obama and rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton had avidly sought Edwards' endorsement, particularly in the weeks after he dropped out of the race.

Edwards won 19 delegates before departing the presidential race in January. Four of Edwards' Democratic National Convention delegates on Thursday announced they would be support Obama.

Pearce believes it is highly unlikely Edwards will be the vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket in November.

“His problem is really he ended up with a reputation of not being a good team player among the Kerry people. So I don’t think you’re going to see Obama do that again,” Pearce said.

Some believe Edwards should be among those considered for the position if Obama gets the nomination.

Ed Turlington, Edwards’ national campaign chairman during his 2004 vice presidential run, said Edwards would be a good candidate because he fits the bill as a good potential president and a campaigner.

”I would say as an Edwards supporter and friend, I hope his public service days aren't over,” Turlington said.

Pearce even believes it is even possible for Edwards to make a run at governor in North Carolina.