Clinton endorsed by dozens of North Carolina legislators

Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a leader of the civil rights movement, joins the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee in endorsing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, as prominent African-American Democrats rush to her aid ahead of the Feb. 27 Democratic primary in South Carolina, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a leader of the civil rights movement, joins the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee in endorsing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, as prominent African-American Democrats rush to her aid ahead of the Feb. 27 Democratic primary in South Carolina, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016.

By Associated Press February 24, 2016 1 min read

RALEIGH, N.C. – Dozens of Democrats at the North Carolina General Assembly are supporting Hillary Clinton for president.

House Minority Leader Larry Hall and Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue were among lawmakers speaking at an endorsement news conference Tuesday, three weeks before the North Carolina presidential primary.

Clinton’s campaign says 43 of the 61 Democratic legislators have endorsed her, including all current female Democratic members. Those backing Clinton include Sens. Josh Stein and Terry Van Duyn and Reps. Mickey Michaux and Susan Fisher.

Blue said in a campaign statement the former secretary of state and first lady is “battle tested” and ready to build “ladders of opportunity” for the middle class to succeed.

An Elon University Poll of North Carolina likely voters last week showed Clinton ahead of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.