Instead, Gore is one of the few people whose endorsement could be a major factor in the Democratic primary, especially if he does not throw his support behind frontrunner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), under whose husband he served as vice president.

Clinton’s campaign website featured a large picture of Gore on its home page and a message lauding his latest achievement.

“Congratulations to Al Gore for his well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize,” the message said. “His dedication and tireless work have been instrumental in raising international awareness about global warming.”

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who is running third in national polls, was the first to send out a statement on the Nobel Peace Prize win.

“Congratulations to Al Gore,” Edwards said. “The Nobel Peace Prize rewards three decades of Vice President Gore’s prescient and compelling – and often lonely – advocacy for the future of the Earth.”

Edwards used the occasion to lash out at the Bush administration for failing to act on global warming.

“The Nobel Committee’s recognition of Vice President Gore shines a bright light on the most inconvenient truth of all – the selection of George Bush as president has endangered the peace and prosperity of the entire planet,” Edwards stated.

Sen. Chris Dodd (Conn.), who served in the Senate with Gore, also hailed the new Nobel laureate.

“Al’s tireless efforts to increase awareness of the threats of global warming have provided a powerful voice telling the world that we need to act now,” Dodd said. “I share Al’s conviction that it will take bold leadership to turn back the clock on global warming.”

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson joined in singing Gore’s praises.

“Vice President Gore’s efforts on global warming are awe-inspiring,” Richardson stated. “However, solving this problem will take more than the heroic efforts of one man. It will require sacrifice from every American. It will require the resolve of the world. It also will require bold presidential leadership. I am ready to provide it.”