Mitch Perry
In advance of the South Carolina Democratic Primary to be held in 16 days, the Congressional Black Caucus PAC on Thursday came out in support of Hillary Clinton for president. That’s not to be confused with the Congressional Black Caucus, which has endorsed no one for president.
Although she barely defeated Bernie Sanders in Iowa and was mauled by him in New Hampshire, South Carolina is expected to be her “firewall” in part because of demographics where black voters represent a solid majority of its Democratic electorate
An NBC News-Wall Street Journal-Marist poll taken in late January shows Clinton with 64 percent of South Carolina’s likely Democratic votes, while Bernie Sanders has 27 percent. Clinton leads in all demographics, but her 74-17 advantage among South Carolina’s black voters explains her overall 37-point margin.
Florida’s three members in the Black Caucus – Frederick Wilson, Corrine Brown and Alcee Hastings – all supported Clinton in a statement on Thursday.
“As history shows, I was with Hillary Clinton in her 2008 run for president, and I stand beside her again in her 2016,” said Brown, who represents the Jacksonville area. “Hillary Clinton has the knowledge and résumé to be commander in chief and has what it takes to deliver real results for Florida families.”
“Hillary’s history of, and devotion to, promoting the economic security of working families make her not only qualified for the job of president, but make her the right choice to lead this nation,” said Hastings, who represents parts of Broward, Palm Beach and Hendry counties. “She not only has a strong vision, but a strong record of getting things done. I was proud to endorse her in 2008, and am extremely proud to support her once again.”
“I believe we need a president who will build on the tremendous progress that President Obama has made and deliver real results for the African-American community,” said Miami Gardens U.S. Rep. Fredericka Wilson. “That’s why I’m supporting Hillary Clinton for president.”
Republican Party of Florida spokesman Wadi Gaiten wasn’t impressed by the announcement.
“Unfortunately for Hillary Clinton, a list of endorsements won’t erase her unsuccessful record as Secretary of State, the negative headlines haunting her campaign, or the distrust that voters have towards her,” he told Florida Politics. “Floridians are eager for an honest, proven leader that will fight for government reforms and economic growth for all Americans.”
Not everyone CBC member has endorsed Clinton. Speaking this morning on Pacifica Radio’s “Democracy Now,” California Democrat Barbara Lee, a CBC member, said she has not endorsed in the Democratic primary, and reminded listeners that the CBC “has nothing to do with the” CBC PAC, which is a legally distinct entity.
