Keith Ellison’s Corrupt Bargain Shakes Up DNC Race

In a move that will send shockwaves through the DNC Chairmanship race, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley has dropped out of the race and thrown his support behind Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN). Yet the price of Buckley’s support might come at too high of a price for Ellison. Among the small group of Democrats who will have a vote next Saturday, the rumors of a shady backroom deal between Ellison and Buckley have been rampant recently:

“But Buckley’s support may also come with charges of back-room dealing for Elision, an ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who campaigned against supposed conspiring at the DNC during his presidential bid last year. Dealmaking is common these kind of races, but rumors about negotiations between the Ellison and Buckley camps provoked some negative reactions from DNC members in emails exchanged this week.”

With the news that Buckley is dropping out and supporting Ellison, the last week of the DNC race has taken a messy turn. Ellison’s comments have now confirmed that there was in fact a quid pro quo involved:

“‘When we have a successful outcome in Atlanta next week, I have asked him to lead our effort to provide the support and resources the state parties need in a new and innovative 57 state strategy,’ Ellison said in a statement.”

Coming on the heels of the SEIU and UAW announcing their support for Ellison, this should have the Democratic establishment worried that their candidate Tom Perez will come up short next Saturday. Yet by embracing backroom deals to win the DNC Chairmanship, Ellison might end up alienating the grassroots who were so disgusted at the DNC’s corrupt conduct during the 2016 presidential race.