Why Nina Turner's shift from Hillary Clinton to Bernie Sanders matters: Ohio Politics Roundup [View all]

[think]

Why Nina Turner's shift from Hillary Clinton to Bernie Sanders matters: Ohio Politics Roundup

By Henry J Gomez - November 13, 2015 at 7:27 AM

Nina Turner is feeling the Bern. Read on in Ohio Politics Roundup.

Turn and Bern: Former State Sen. Nina Turner, a top Ohio Democrat with a national profile, made a stunning move Thursday, endorsing Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination after months of supportive nods toward Hillary Clinton. Turner said she appreciates his outspokenness on voting rights and wage issues.

Turner is taking leave from her high-level Ohio Democratic Party post to campaign for Sanders. She will be at Saturday night's debate in Iowa to cheer on the Vermont senator and will introduce him Monday at his rally at Cleveland State University.

My full story on the surprise endorsement.

Why it's a big deal, at least in the short term: Though she said her decision had everything to with Sanders and nothing to with Clinton, Turner's shifting loyalty comes as Sanders looks for new momentum as Clinton's strongest challenger.

Turner is a prominent black leader in a key state. She is a terrific public speaker and no stranger to MSNBC's prime-time lineup. When she talks, people – particularly progressive Democrats – listen. She can be a very effective surrogate. Her endorsement drew attention from Politico and other national news organizations...

Full article:
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/11/why_nina_turners_shift_from_hi.html