Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) swiftly endorsed Rep. Chris Van Hollen to be the next U.S. senator from Maryland, wasting little time as Democrats hope to lock up the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski.
“I enthusiastically endorse Chris Van Hollen for the United States Senate,” Reid said in a statement Friday. “Not only would Chris Van Hollen be the best and most effective person for the job, I have no doubt that he is in the best and strongest position to make sure that this Senate seat remains in Democratic hands in a State that just elected a Republican Governor.”
The surprisingly quick announcement comes within two days of Van Hollen announcing his intention to run for Senate. Reid is apparently aiming to clear the field and avert a contentious Democratic primary as the party sets its sights on winning back the majority in 2016.
In a statement moments later, Van Hollen said he’s “honored to receive the endorsement of Senator Harry Reid, the Democratic Leader of the Senate. He is a fighter for more jobs with better wages, for equality, and for Social Security and Medicare. I greatly appreciate his support and confidence.”
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee isn’t endorsing anyone just yet.
“The DSCC remains excited about the deep bench of Democrats in Maryland and are confident we will hold this seat,” Justin Barasky, a spokesman for the DSCC, told TPM.
This article has been updated.
And I endorse anyone who bloody well fights for what Democrats should be fighting for instead of trying to please the voters who shall never vote for them!
Now watch the PCCC attack Harry Reid.
Chris Van Hollen once talked his way out of being taken prisoner by Saddam’s soldiers in Iraq.
http://ww2.gazette.net/gazette_archive/2002/200234/weekend/a_section/118484-1.html
I really like Chris Van Hollen and think he’d be a great senator. However, Rep. Donna Edwards would be a better bet in 2016. Democrats would have a woman at the top of the ticket, two black women running for Senate, and all three would have excellent chances of winning. Plus, with Maryland’s close proximity to both PA and VA, excitement over her candidacy could bleed into those states and drive out the very voters most likely to stay home.
Mixed on this one. I’ve been a big van Hollen fan since I met him during his first House campaign. At the same time Edwards will be a force for years to come.
Argh!
I’d love to see Donna Edwards in the Senate but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a congressman more ready for the Senate than Chris Van Hollen. I do think if Donna Edwards runs then she’ll win.