Sheetrit denies endorsing Livni, says he'll stay in Kadima race until end

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit were seen eating lunch together in Jerusalem on Monday, leading to speculation that Sheetrit might have decided quit the September 17 Kadima leadership race and endorse Livni. Sheetrit has been averaging 10 percent in the polls, far behind the front-runners, Livni and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz. Sheetrit said he told Livni that he intended to remain in the race until the end. But if a run-off race between Livni and Mofaz is held, Kadima officials said it was likely that both Sheetrit and the fourth candidate in the race, Public Security Minister Avi Dichter, would support Livni.