Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden gained two more endorsements from onetime backers of rival Kamala Harris’ campaign, a sign of early strength in consolidating support after the U.S. senator left the race.

Biden’s campaign on Thursday announced the endorsement of two former mayors of Dover, New Hampshire, Jack Buckley and William Boc, who had supported Harris. New Hampshire hosts Democrats’ second presidential nominating contest in February.

Harris, who would have been the first woman and second black U.S. president, withdrew from the race on Dec. 3, as her support flagged and she lacked the money to go on.

Her departure touched off a race to secure support she had won from elected officials and donors.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has largely stayed out of the presidential primary so far — partly out of respect for Julián Castro, the only Latino in the race and the brother of CHC Chairman Joaquin Castro.

But with Julián languishing at the bottom of polls with around 1 percent support, at least a handful of the group’s 38 members are on the verge of announcing their support for Joe Biden, according to sources familiar with the effort.
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Their impact could provide an adrenaline boost in a Democratic contest where most campaigns are struggling to win over Hispanic voters — a bloc that will play a key role in early-state Nevada and on Super Tuesday.

“It’s kind of a work in progress, but I’m pretty confident there will be substantial Congressional Hispanic Caucus support for the vice president over the course of the next month,” said Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas), who, along with Reps. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) and Lou Correa (D-Calif.), is leading the effort to rally the CHC behind Biden.

CNN analysts believe the Republican stronghold of Texas could turn on President Trump if the Democratic Party picks Joe Biden as its nominee.

While announcing the findings of their latest poll, CNN wrote, “But perhaps the biggest story from our poll is that the formerly deep-red state of Texas looks competitive in the general election if the Democrats nominate Biden.”

CNN’s latest poll found that Biden, 77, and Trump, 73, were in a tight race in the typically red state of Texas. The poll showed 48% of Texans backing Trump in 2020, while Biden had the support of 47% of respondents.

Trump’s support was reflected in his favorability. The poll showed Trump has a 49% approval rating and a 48% disapproval rating in the state. CNN’s poll showed Biden closing the gap between him and the president compared to a Quinnipiac poll from June that showed him trailing the president by 4% with 44% support compared to Trump’s 48% support.

Other 2020 Democrats did not do as well in a hypothetical matchup against Trump. The poll showed Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, all down 7% against the president.

When talk of a possible impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump began to circulate in Congress, Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter was leery. He issued a statement that said Congress should “keep working on the nuts and bolts issues that matter most to Americans, like reducing the costs of health care and rebuilding our infrastructure.”

Similarly, after the 2018 midterm elections, Perlmutter, who represents Colorado's 7th District, was part of a Democratic insurrection focused on preventing Nancy Pelosi from becoming Speaker of the House. He had thought the midterms were a mandate for sweeping change.

Today, Perlmutter's thinking has changed on both fronts.

"Quite frankly, I was wrong," Perlmutter told Colorado Matters.
&quot I) was wrong in seeking that change just for change's sake ... I think Pelosi particularly has done an excellent job in leading our caucus."

That leadership has been most evident, Perlmutter added, in Pelosi's decision to open the impeachment inquiry. The Speaker raised the stakes when she announced that the House would draft articles of impeachment against President Trump. A full House vote could come before Christmas.

Recovering from car wreck in Austin last night. Rear ended totaling car . I have 2 broke ribs and severe laceration in scalp. Susan has fractured collar bone. Both lucky to be here. Looks like will be here a few days

To All Salon Customers
December 12, 2019 By: El Jefe Category: Uncategorized
Juanita Jean asked me to let all of you know that she and Bubba were injured when their car was rear ended last night in Austin. They are both pretty banged up but she tells me they’ll be OK with some rest and recuperation. I’ll be minding the Salon until she triumphantly returns.
Please send them positive thoughts and prayers to speed their recovery.