Keith Ellison is rapidly pulling in serious endorsements as the next DNC chair. The Minnesota Representative has already lined up support from Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who said that Ellison would be “terrific.” Now Rep. Ellison also has Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in his corner.
Schumer spoke with Ellison Thursday afternoon and “supports him for chair,” according to a source close to Schumer, who added: “Without a Democratic White House, Schumer's view is the DNC is where grassroots organizing in sync with leg battles should be organized.” Schumer’s nod comes as others like former DNC Chair Howard Dean have launched their own campaigns to run the embattled organization. Ellison, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, hasn’t officially thrown his hat in the ring, though he has said he’ll make an announcement on Monday.
Howard Dean has offered to return to the role …
The dems need organization and focus on the young. Need a fifty State strategy and tech rehab. I am in for chairman again.
— Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) November 10, 2016
But the growing support for Ellison is likely to lock down the position, so long as Ellison is genuinely interested. Still, Dean’s previous experience, popularity and success with the 50 state strategy would all be good to have on board. Hopefully positions can be found that can accommodate both men, but Ellison is well positioned, well respected and extremely capable.
If he will take the job, there’s no doubt he can do it well.