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Some See Kamala Harris’ Ascension as a Coronation With No Challengers

President Biden and Vice President Harris stand on stage at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia.
Patrick Semansky/AP
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President Biden and Vice President Harris stand on stage at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia.

An Associated Press survey finds the state party endorsements represent 85% of the 3,949 Democratic delegates.

Reactions continue to pour in about Joe Biden’s decision to leave the race for President and endorsing his vice president ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August. District 5 Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he isn’t immediately ready to hand the Democratic presidential nomination to Kamala Harris. Campbell says he isn’t convinced yet that she’s the best candidate. “I think Ms. Harris is a nice lady, probably really capable. But I would like to see us compete. We’ve got some other candidates out there. I think they should have a turn too. Let’s come up with the best candidate we can to win.”

Campbell points to several candidates he would like to see compete for the Democratic nomination, which includes Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D)
State of Michigan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D)

Campbell also mentions Mark Kelly. “The senator from Arizona, Kelly. He was an astronaut. He’s a colonel in the Marine Corps. His wife was tragically shot while campaigning. I think he would be a good candidate.”

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D) of Arizona
Senate.gov
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D) of Arizona

Gov. Whitmer and Sen. Kelly have both endorsed Harris. Whitmer has publicly stated she has no plans to leave Michigan. And a growing number of political analysts speculate that Kelly has become the leading candidate for the V.P. slot on the Democratic ticket in recent days.
But Foster Campbell is not alone in calling for the party’s nomination process to slow down. That includes billionaire donor and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. In a statement released on Monday, Bloomberg cautioned, “The decision is too important to rush.”
Campbell says if Harris gets the nomination he will support her. A large number of Democratic state delegations have already pledged their support for Harris. That includes the 31 Democratic delegates from Arkansas, the 48 delegates representing Louisiana, and the 244 delegates from Texas.

An Associated Press survey finds the state party endorsements represent 85% of the 3,949 Democratic delegates. But the endorsements are not binding. The Democratic National Convention runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. The party may, however, make its nomination through a virtual roll call before then.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, and a graduate of the University of Washington, Jeff began his on-air broadcasting career 33 years ago in the Black Hills of South Dakota as a general assignment reporter.