Schumer Backs Ellison for DNC Chairman

Playbook: “Soon-to-be Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison to be the next head of the Democratic National Committee, a big boost for the Minnesota Democrat as the party searches for a new leader. Schumer spoke with Ellison Thursday afternoon and ‘supports him for chair,’ according to a source close to Schumer, who added: ‘Without a Democratic White House, Schumer’s view is the DNC is where grassroots organizing in sync with leg battles should be organized.’

“Schumer’s nod comes as others like former DNC Chair Howard Dean have launched their own campaigns to run the embattled organization. Ellison, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, hasn’t officially thrown his hat in the ring, though he has said he’ll make an announcement on Monday.”