Democratic congressional candidate Ro Khanna received the endorsement of three major Democrats on Friday, dealing a potentially fatal blow to his fellow Democratic opponent, eight-time incumbent Congressman Mike Honda.
Khanna confirmed to Breitbart News on Friday that San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, and longtime Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone will formally announce their support for him to represent Silicon Valley’s 17th Congressional District.
A news release from Khanna’s campaign team the day before confirmed the pending announcements would be taking place at 2 p.m. at the Berryessa Branch Library in San Jose. It was noted in the email that “[e]ach of the officials endorsing tomorrow remained neutral in the 2014 race between Ro Khanna and Mike Honda.”
Last week, Khanna also received the endorsement of Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León.
Speaking to the San Jose Mercury News, Khanna spokesman Hari Sevugan said “[i]f Mike Honda thinks the mayor of San Jose, the Santa Clara County assessor, the Santa Clara County district attorney and the president pro tempore of the Senate — each of whom remained neutral in 2014 — are insignificant Democrats, he’s not just dangerously out of touch with the desire for change these endorsements represent, but out of touch with the reality of his situation.”
Rep. Honda has kept a lower campaign profile, focusing on BART’s extension to San Jose, pushing legislation to promote an increase in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, and combating human trafficking.
Additionally, Honda has been the focus of a report from the Office of Congressional Ethics which is investigating allegations that he blurred the lines between official government and reelection campaign business.
Honda’s office responded to inquiries from Breitbart News:
“This is typical Ro Khanna, trying to make mountains out of mole hills. There are no surprises on this list of endorsers. The fact that Khanna is trying to show his Democratic support with this sparse list of endorsers demonstrates the weakness in his support among Democrats. To date Mike Honda has not lost Democratic support from last cycle. The reason is simple, Mike Honda is the only true Democrat in the race and the conservative politics of his challenger do not match the progressive nature of the District.”
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