New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is planning to endorse Hillary Clinton before his planned presidential forum in Iowa in December, according to a person familiar with the matter.
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Mayor Bill de Blasio’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton now appears to be a question of when, not if.
De Blasio worked as campaign manager for Hillary Clinton’s successful Senate bid in 2000 and served as a regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for New York and New Jersey under former President Clinton. “She [was] working on a progressive vision of health care when Bill de Blasio was still smoking pot at NYU or wherever he went”.
The mayor is under increasing pressure to endorse Mrs. Clinton, particularly after her camp announced more than 100 leaders from New York on Monday, including the governor.
De Blasio said he wants judges to consider whether defendants pose a threat to the public when setting bail or steering them into drug diversion programs and don’t allow offenders to qualify for programs easily. He had praised her stances on a number of issues, including criminal justice reform and, earlier this month, her opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
“I think she’s running a very good campaign because her vision is getting stronger and stronger”, de Blasiosaid recently.
The New York Daily News notes the support comes too late for Clinton’s newly formed leadership council in the state, which includes most top Democrats from around New York and every citywide elected official – except for de Blasio.
A spokesman for Mrs. Clinton didn’t return a request for comment.
In Brooklyn, Kings County Democratic Party Boss Frank Seddio, an old political pro, heads the list of impressive supporters vowing to work for Clinton in the April primary and to get a leg up to the White House.
The mayor also plans to hold a “progressive values” forum in Iowa, but thus far candidates have reportedly been less than forthcoming about signing on.
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The group has invited several major candidates to the forum, including Clinton.
