Edwards Set to Launch '08 Bid; Bayh Out

Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards is interviewed about his College for Everyone program during a visit to Greene Central High School in Snow Hill, N.C., on Sept. 14, 2006. Though he hasn't officially announced any White House intentions, the former North Carolina senator is campaigning all the same. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) (Gerry Broome - AP)

The officials who discussed Edwards' plans spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not want to pre-empt his announcement. Edwards' spokesman, David Ginsberg, would not confirm or deny Edwards' plans.

Clinton and Obama would start in a strong position if they decide to run.

The former first lady, one the most well-known women in America, has a vast network of supporters developed during President Clinton's two terms.

Obama, who left Saturday on a two-week trip to visit family in his native Hawaii, has little experience in national politics; he has been in the Senate for only two years. But his message of hope is attracting support from Democrats who are looking for a fresh face and are concerned that Clinton could not win the general election.

Bayh got a taste of the competition Obama poses when they were in New Hampshire last weekend. Bayh, who had worked for months to line up support in the state, spoke at small gatherings; Obama, on his first visit, drew thousands of activists and hordes of reporters at two packed events.

Bayh had sent his staff to help with last month's election. On one trip, he raised money for a successful state Senate candidate, Betsi DeVries. She said Bayh's support was a "huge benefit" and he was in her top tier of presidential hopefuls, although she had not committed to supporting him in return.

"It was an eye-opener I would imagine for a number of these candidates who had been practicing the typical retail politics in New Hampshire to see the large crowds that Senator Obama drew," DeVries said Saturday upon hearing the news of Bayh's exit.

Bayh, 50, left open the possibility of another run. "There may be no campaign in the near future, but there is much work to be done," the two-term senator said.

Edwards, who used to run daily with Bayh when both were in the Senate, already is well known from the 2004 campaign and his profile has risen this year as he and his wife, Elizabeth, went on nationwide tours to promote their books.

Bayh was one of the most well-positioned candidates in the money race, with more than $10 million already to put into his campaign. But he faced a challenge in continuing to build his war chest while other candidates soaked up all the national attention.

Insiders expect this campaign will be the most expensive in history, with candidates needing to raise tens of millions of dollars next year to remain viable.

"The hardest part for anybody is to figure out how do I get $30 to 40 million," said Steve Elmendorf, a top adviser to Dick Gephardt and John Kerry's 2004 presidential bids. "It's daunting for anybody. I think Mrs. Clinton and Obama can do it, but I have real questions if any one else can do it."

He said Edwards could become a contender if he continues to hold the lead in Iowa. "If he can surprise people in Iowa, then it becomes a three-way race," Elmendorf said.

Edwards' campaign plans include an aggressive fundraising effort to prove that he belongs in the top tier. Because he currently does not hold federal office, Edwards does not have a war chest like some of his rivals. In fact, he has several hundred thousands of dollars of debt from his 2004 presidential campaign.