Harrison throws support to Perez in DNC race
Source: Politico
ATLANTA South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison is exiting the race for Democratic National Committee chair and throwing his support to former Labor Secretary Tom Perez, the second major shakeup of the party leadership race within a week.
The deal, finalized as the partys voting members arrive here for Saturdays election, cements Perezs place as the likely front-runner in his tight race against Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison. Ellison won the backing of New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley, another former candidate, over the weekend.
Harrisons endorsement likely puts Perez closer to the needed tally of roughly 224 votes, given Harrisons estimated support of 20-30 party members, according to Democrats familiar with the whip counts.
In a former job, I whipped votes for House Democrats. I know what a path to victory looks like. Despite strong performances at the debate and DNC regional forums, the votes are simply not there for me to secure victory on Saturday. But this election is not about the individuals in the race; it is about unifying and rebuilding our Democratic Party. Therefore, today, I am ending my campaign for DNC Chair, but I am more confident than ever that our Party will come back strong. I am confident because I have seen tremendous progressive energy all across our country and the commitment of State Party leaders to channel this energy into winning elections. I am confident because of the amazing Democratic talent running for various positions at the DNC, including a field of stellar candidates for DNC Chair, said Harrison, in a note out to party members alerting them to the move. "In particular, I am confident because we have a candidate for DNC Chair who can unite the Democratic Party behind the goal of enacting progressive change, a candidate who can take the fight to Donald Trump and rebuild our Party infrastructure, and a candidate whom I, as a voting member of the DNC, am proud to support: Tom Perez."
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/jaime-harrison-endorses-tom-perez-235310
Was he expecting some notable development from last night's debate that didn't occur? Or did he just happen to have a free evening?
lapucelle
(18,229 posts)another flashpoint for our party. No matter who wins, there will be hard feelings and acrimony. I wish Dean had not dropped out.
FSogol
(45,464 posts)get the red out
(13,460 posts)When does this election end? I am sick of it, I just want one of these guys to be able to get to work.
rogue emissary
(3,148 posts)get the red out
(13,460 posts)rogue emissary
(3,148 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)gladly get to work. With whoever wins. With the newly energized Democratic/left-leaning electorate, they must be really excited at what's possible. And as movers and shakers, no doubt they all have a ton of both personal plans for their areas and ideas for the national party.
brooklynite
(94,452 posts)lapucelle
(18,229 posts)three weeks after having tweeted that he was in.
Link to tweet
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/howard-dean-dnc-chair-drops-out-232140
Gothmog
(145,046 posts)I really like Tom Perez
Kingofalldems
(38,440 posts)7962
(11,841 posts)Optics mean a lot, regardless of whether they should or not.
Hestia
(3,818 posts)the cow ate the cabbage. He was a fantastic Labor Secretary.
7962
(11,841 posts)Hestia
(3,818 posts)Blue Idaho
(5,044 posts)If the election is on the up and up (I have no idea if it is or isn't) then once the election of Chair is over, it's time to look forward - and make the wishes of Party members known. The people of the Democratic Party need to set the agenda, the chairman and other party bosses needs to facilitate those wishes.
If your candidate wins - great, if not - make sure your voice is heard loud and clear by all party leaders starting in your own town and going up through the national party headquarters. That's what I plan on doing.
Brewh
(13 posts)The bottom line is Perez will cave in to Wall Street and the big banks when push comes to shove
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/22/dnc-chair-candidate-tom-perezs-bank-friendly-record-could-kneecap-the-democratic-party/
brooklynite
(94,452 posts)nikibatts
(2,198 posts)Whoever wins, I trust them to be the standard bearer for the Democratic Party AGAINST the GOP. There will be no "caving to the banks" left for anyone to do after 45 signs all those tax reforms and regulations roll back.
TomCADem
(17,387 posts)...the intercept stands for the pro trump/Putin left.
Cha
(297,027 posts)KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)DeminPennswoods
(15,273 posts)I don't get a vote, but I think the DNC will be in excellent hands no matter who wins. There is really not much daylight between them regarding what needs to be done. I do think Ellison's past could be a bit of an issue because the Rs/rw will try to use it to discredit him, but it doesn't really matter to Dems as we are who he'll be working for.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)who shakes up the establishment.
Dude has spent his entire professional life inside the Beltway.
murielm99
(30,724 posts)I am sick and tired of the divisiveness over this. They are all experienced Democrats who want us to win. Anyone who is not supportive of the newly elected person should go to JPR or join the freepers.