Key Endorsement For Bradley

At a pancake breakfast in Omaha Monday, Bill Bradley got a major boost in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination against Vice President Al Gore, reports CBS News Correspondent Jacqueline Adams.

While taking turns flipping pancakes with Bradley, Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey said he would pray for his friend and former colleague. "And I will do all that I can to see that he is selected by the people of the United States of America to be their president November, 2000."

Kerrey decided late last year not to seek the Democratic nomination for himself.

"Bill has the vision to challenge America to greatness and the integrity to restore the nation's faith in our public institutions," said Kerrey.

Bradley, a former senator from New Jersey and former New York Knicks basketball star, has surprised pundits by already raising two-thirds of the $18 million that Vice President Gore has collected.

Gore may have anticipated Kerrey's endorsement of Bradley, since Kerrey has been a vocal critic of the Clinton Administration's budget and health-care policies, and has spoken out strongly against the President's personal ethics.

In any case, Kerry's endorsement is a giant step toward credibility for Bradley. Late Monday Kerrey and Bradley traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, where precinct caucuses begin the presidential nominating season.

"With the political instability in the world around us and special concerns here at home, we need a leader like Bill who is not afraid to make the tough decisions," Kerrey said. "He has the steady hand and foresight necessary to be an effective commander in chief."

Kerrey is a decorated Vietnam war hero who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination in 1992. He also has served as head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which raises money for candidates.

Bradley said he was fortunate to have Kerrey's support.

"Bob Kerrey is an American hero," Bradley said. "I'm tremendously honored that he would support me and be a part of this effort."

Gore has the backing of much of the Democratic Party's establishment, including leaders in the House and Senate. Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone is the only other senator who has endorsed Bradley.