Pennsylvania Democrat warns Harris about possible Josh Shapiro as VP choice
Erin McClelland, a Democratic candidate for treasurer in Pennsylvania, has stirred controversy by publicly endorsing North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper over her own governor, Josh Shapiro, to be the Democratic nominee for vice president. McClelland took to social media to express her reservations about Shapiro and her preference for Cooper as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.
McClelland’s endorsement of Cooper was accompanied by pointed criticisms of Shapiro, referencing a sexual harassment scandal that unfolded in the governor’s office last year. A former top aide to Shapiro, Mike Vereb, was accused of sexual harassment by a female subordinate, leading to a $295,000 settlement with the accuser. The handling of the scandal by Shapiro, who allowed Vereb to remain in his position for months after the complaint was filed, drew criticism from Pennsylvania lawmakers and Republicans alike.
Senator Sharif Street, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, responded to McClelland’s endorsement of Cooper by expressing offense at her remarks and indicating that he will speak with her separately. However, McClelland stood by her comments and continued to emphasize her belief in the importance of having leadership that respects women in high-level positions.
Despite the backlash, McClelland reaffirmed her commitment to support the Democratic ticket regardless of the vice presidential nominee. She praised Cooper for his track record on issues such as public education and perceived lack of presidential ambitions, contrasting him with Shapiro’s controversial positions on school choice in Pennsylvania.
While the controversy surrounding McClelland’s endorsement of Cooper continues to unfold, the focus remains on the upcoming decisions regarding the Democratic ticket and the vice presidential nominee. Stay tuned for further developments in this story as the political landscape in Pennsylvania evolves.
