Harrison throws support to Perez in DNC race

[brooklynite]

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

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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]

1. I'm really sorry that this election has become

another flashpoint for our party. No matter who wins, there will be hard feelings and acrimony. I wish Dean had not dropped out.

[FSogol]

2. No matter who wins, we have to pull together as a party. It is necessary. n/t

[get the red out]

4. My feelings exactly

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]

12. This weekend, hopefully.

[get the red out]

17. Thank God!

[rogue emissary]

19. Agreed.

[Hortensis]

20. Saturday. The 400+ voters will vote, and then they'll all

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]

7. Dean was never "in"; just mentioned as a prospect.

[lapucelle]

8. Dean took his name out of contention

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]

3. This is good news

I really like Tom Perez

[Kingofalldems]

5. Good. Did not like the ultimatum by Ellison supporters.

[7962]

9. Agreed. This move is better for the long run for sure

Optics mean a lot, regardless of whether they should or not.

[Hestia]

6. I hope Tom Perez does get the Chairmanship. He is tough as nails and tell you how

the cow ate the cabbage. He was a fantastic Labor Secretary.

[7962]

10. Now THAT is a term Ive never heard before! I like it! nt

[Hestia]

15. How the cow ate the cabbage? It's ubiquitous around here :)

[Blue Idaho]

11. In a Democracy the candidate with the most votes wins.

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. Perez v Ellison

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]

14. You understand that the DNC Chair has no role in setting Party positions on Govt Policy, right?

[nikibatts]

16. Where have we heard that before?

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]

21. Ah, citing comrade Greenwald's favorite site...

...the intercept stands for the pro trump/Putin left.

[Cha]

26. No he won't... don't be ridiculous. Stop pushing propaganda

[KittyWampus]

18. I liked Jaimee very much last night and hope to see more of him. He's a great speaker.

[DeminPennswoods]

22. Perez. Ellison both terrific candidates

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]

23. I'm still not seeing how Perez can be both the 'safe' Obama legacy guy and the guy

who shakes up the establishment.

Dude has spent his entire professional life inside the Beltway.

[murielm99]

24. I will support whomever wins.

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.

[dhill926]

25. I hear ya....