Talking Points: Keith Ellison Says He Can Do Both
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Progressives are furious with the Democratic National Committee establishment.
WikiLeaks exposed that the DNC, which is supposed to be neutral, worked to help Hillary Clinton and undermine her primary rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders. The scandal forced the resignation of the DNC Chair Debbie Wassermann Schultz.
One of Sanders' earliest and biggest supporters was Rep. Keith Ellison, of Minnesota's 5th District, who is now running to be the chair of the DNC.
Some Democrats argue that with the party in disarray the chairmanship should be a full-time job, meaning that Ellison, if he gets the post, should leave Congress.
On WCCO Sunday Morning, Ellison said he can do both jobs.
"I can absolutely do both jobs, I am very active in the district I am all over the place," he said. "I have gone to 30 different states to help candidates all over the country in the last two years."
Ellison says that as chair he would work to make sure the party would once again champion working class economic issues.
Among progressives, Ellison has a great deal of support. Many top democrats, including Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, are backing him. So too are Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken.
The DNC Chair will be chosen early next year by party leaders from all states.