After months of speculation, Bernie Sanders finally secured the endorsement of one of New Hampshire's most influential Democrats. Veteran Granite State Activist Dudley Dudley declared that she is now supporting Sanders in the road to the 2016 Democratic nomination. Dudley was also reportedly considering the candidacy of Martin O'Malley when she hosted the candidate at her home twice in May. O'Malley has aggressively courted Dudley's support since. Aside from his visits at Durham, N.H., he also recorded several campaign videos in Dudley's home.
Dudley pointed out that her decision was mainly influenced by how Sanders stood out rather than what other candidates are lacking, The Hill reported. "He's very believable. A lot of people seem to say a lot of things that don't come to pass. I feel that he is compelling and trustworthy and I'm hoping that he will get the nomination," she explained further in a CNN report. O'Malley's camp is still silent on this new development. Observers, however, are noting that this is a critical stage in the race between him and Sanders to become Clinton's main challenger. Dudley's endorsement is widely seen to cement the latter's position as the frontrunner's alternative. "The early rise of Sanders - a self-described democratic socialist - underscores how hungry the progressive base of the Democratic Party is for a truly authentic alternative to Clinton," according to the Washington Post.
Dudley was known as the highest-serving woman in New Hampshire's history when she held the state executive councilor position during the 1970s. She further rose to prominence when she effectively blocked the construction of an oil refinery in the state's coast, according to CNN.
In addition to Dudley's endorsement, Sander's candidacy appears to be gaining momentum. The crowds attending his campaign sorties are turning out in record numbers. The independent senator has also surged in polls. He has managed, for instance, to decimate Clinton's lead from 38 percent to 8 percent in the latest New Hampshire primary poll, CNN reported.
