Clinton endorsed by top Latino Democrat in Congress

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Rep. Ben Ray Luján, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, saying she was best-suited to connect with voters from all different backgrounds.

According to The Hill the New Mexican representative is endorsement No. 197 from Capitol Hill for Clinton, compared to three for Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt.

"As president of the United States, Hillary Clinton's first priority will be the hardworking people in New Mexico and across the country, as she fights to keep us safe, expand opportunities for every child, and ensure that when the American people get ahead, they can stay ahead," Luján said in a statement released Friday. "Secretary Clinton is the best choice for president by far, and I am honored to endorse her. Hillary has strength, compassion and a sense of responsibility to care for others that is second to none."

He added: "She has what it takes to connect with a diverse group of voters across the country and will fight to motivate and unite people behind her, which will benefit all Democrats come November."

The New Mexico Democrat's endorsement comes shortly after Clinton's victory in the Nevada caucuses, and just days away from Super Tuesday, when more than a dozen states will hold primaries March 1.

It's also a symbol of the racial divides between Sanders and Clinton. While most of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus now supports her, Clinton lost to Sanders among Hispanics according to entrance polling in Nevada. However, Clinton won the support of 76 percent of black caucus-goers, another signal of Sanders' long road to winning over black voters.