Burling split over Edwards absence

DENVER -- A New Hampshire delegate for former U.S. Sen. John Edwards is torn over the absence from the Democratic National Convention of the man he supported during the New Hampshire primary.

State Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish) said "there's a yes and no answer" when asked whether he was disappointed that Edwards would not be speaking at the convention.

"Given where we are now I'm not disappointed. It'd be uncomfortable," Burling said. "I'm disappointed that Elizabeth Edwards didn't have a chance to talk about health care."

Burling, incoming New Hampshire Democratic National Committeeman, also said that a recent commission to examine the primary system will not affect the New Hampshire primary.

"I'm old enough to know never say never, but I have no experience that this commission will go into those waters," he said. "They're intended to examine other things."

He said the commission will examine the caucus system and the role of superdelegates.

Burling, attending his first convention, added that this week has been good for Democrats.

"From the start to finish every day has been a success," he said.