Pennsylvania's April 26 Democratic primary election for president is nine weeks away but the campaign is coming to Philadelphia this week.
Mayor Kenney endorsed former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton early Tuesday morning, saying he trusts her "with our nation's future."
"Hillary Clinton has the heart, strength and depth of knowledge and experience to unite our nation and lead us during these troubled times," Kenney said in a statement announcing the endorsement. "She will build on the accomplishments of President Obama and continue the economic growth and expansion he successfully initiated."
Clinton called Kenney in May to congratulate him on his victory in the Democratic primary election for mayor.
She also counts former Mayor Michael Nutter and former Gov. Ed Rendell as supporters in Pennsylvania.
"Hillary Clinton is proud to have the mayor's support because they share a common belief that government should break down barriers for people so they can achieve their full potential," Jesse Ferguson, Clinton's deputy national press secretary, said in response to Kenney's endorsement.
Local campaign volunteers for Clinton's rival, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, plan a rally at City Hall on Saturday at noon. The organizers say it will involve "a coalition of socialists, union members, students and progressive clergy" who back his call for a $15-per-hour minimum wage, free college tuition and a single-payer heath care system.
Clinton won a narrow victory in the Iowa Caucuses on Feb. 1, lost to Sanders in the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 9 and then won the Nevada Caucuses on Saturday.
The next contest between the two Democrats is the South Carolina primary this Saturday.
(c)2016 The Philadelphia Inquirer
