Highest Ranking Latino Member in History of Congress Endorses Dean

[Melinda]

U.S. Congressman Bob Menendez (D-NJ, 13), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, endorsed Governor Howard Dean today in Waterloo, Iowa. The endorsement of Menendez, the highest ranking elected Democrat to endorse Dean, brings the candidate's total to 28 endorsements from members of the U.S. House.

"As Governor, Howard Dean balanced budgets, just like American families have to balance theirs. He will restore the sound fiscal management we had under President Clinton, returning us to balanced budgets, because he knows we can have no long-term, sustained economic growth with soaring deficits," said Menendez. "As a doctor, he is the true compassionate in this campaign - he doesn't need to profess that, he's lived it as a citizen and public servant."

Congressman Menendez is the 3rd- ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, the highest ranking Hispanic in Congressional history, and the only Hispanic ever elected to a leadership position in either chamber, by either party. Menendez sat on the select committee on Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Task Force and currently is the Democratic Ranking Member on the House International Relations Committee.

"Bob is a true leader in the Congress and I am thrilled to have his support," said Dean. "His advice and support will be helpful throughout the campaign."

http://www.blogforamerica.com/

[IndianaGreen]

1. Has Bill Richardson endorsed anyone?

Richardson would make a great Secretary of State! I seem to recall he had endorsed Dean, but I may be wrong.

On edit: miss-typed "but"

[SadEagle]

2. If I recall correctly,

as the chairman of the Democratic convention, he is not supposed to make an endorsement

[Mercurius]

5. I was thinking the same thing.

But I'm not sure how to find out.

[Chango]

3. Good News

Good news - for both party solidarity and Hispanic recruiting.

[jburton]

6. Not officially

Richardson is Chair of the 2004 convention, so it would be innapropriate to endorse.

However, when he appeared with Dean last month, he said most of his political campaign staff were now working for Dean. So read into it what you will.

[puerco-bellies]

4. Off topic

The late great U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez (Great name don't you think?) was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Public Works during the 50's. He was truly a ground breaker, and a loyal "New Dealer" for FDR.

[goforit]

7. Whoooo hooo Dean!!!...Thank you Menendez!!!

Hip hip hooray!!!

:bounce:

[guajira]

8. hmmm.......

Being endorsed by Menendez should make Dean wary of how he could be perceived. Seems like Dean is the opposite of the intolerance described in this article. My guess is Menendez thinks Dean will be the nominee and is trying to win some influence in advance!

snippet:
MIAMI, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Two pro-embargo Democrats said on Friday they plan to introduce a bill that would bar U.S. companies from lobbying for a change in U.S. policy toward Cuba as part of lucrative deals to sell food to the communist island.
Reps. Peter Deutsch of Florida and Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the first Hispanic to chair the House Democratic Caucus, said Cuban leader Fidel Castro's government was forcing U.S. companies to agree to lobby against a four-decade-old embargo in return for contracts.

"What happens here is they become an agent of a foreign government," Deutsch told reporters at the Miami airport.
more...

http://biz.yahoo.com/rm/031205/cuba_embargo_lobbying_2.html

[caledesi]

9. Well, well, well...just remember Dean isn't electable. *smirk*