He was also a Democratic state party chairman, from 1975 to 1978.
Such courtesies will be less common under a Democratic chairman.
The Democratic chairman heard a rumor the endorsement was coming, but did not believe it.
In 14 of the state's 21 counties, the Democratic chairman chooses the candidate.
The hearing was ended shortly afterward by the Democratic chairman of the committee.
The Democratic chairmen have an interest in containing political damage.
For the next four years, the Democratic chairman will be one of his party's chief spokesmen and strategists.
"You can be sure of one thing," said a Democratic state chairman who described himself as "spooked" by the prospect.
They delivered talking points to Democratic state chairmen and to members of Congress.
In an interview, the Democratic chairman defended his strategy, saying he was making "factual allegations."