Rep. Mikie Sherrill Of NJ Endorses Mike Bloomberg For President

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has thrown her support behind Democratic presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

On Thursday, Sherrill announced her endorsement of Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign, praising his “commitment to reducing gun violence, protecting our environment and rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure.”

The former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot also applauded Bloomberg’s plan to support service members transitioning out of active service and into civilian life by connecting them to “high-quality and high-paying jobs,” as well as his “commitment to protecting the country’s national security and economic interests.”

“I served in the Navy with members of our military community dedicated to making our country safer and stronger, and it’s clear we need the same level of commitment from our political leaders,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill represents New Jersey's 11th District, which includes towns in Essex, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties.

The congresswoman picked Bloomberg over one of his main competitors, former Vice President Joe Biden, who endorsed Sherrill when she was preparing to take on now-retired Republican stalwart Rodney Frelinghuysen in 2018.

• See related article: Joe Biden Endorses Mikie Sherrill's Bid For US Congress

Sherrill previously supported U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s presidential bid – along with a large cohort of her fellow New Jersey Democrats – until Booker ended his campaign last month.

• See related article: Sen. Cory Booker Drops Out Of 2020 Presidential Race

“Mike Bloomberg embodies the integrity we need from leadership and I am proud to give my support to him,” Sherrill said. “His unwavering commitment to making our schools and streets safe from gun violence, investing in our region’s infrastructure, creating opportunities for our veterans, and protecting our environment is proof that Mike Bloomberg won’t back down from the many serious challenges we face as a country.”

Sherrill called Bloomberg a “true public servant” and said she’s confident he will move the country forward into a bright future.

Bloomberg returned the praise, calling Sherrill “a true patriot” and a “leader with integrity and the courage to act on her convictions.”

Bloomberg then took a shot at President Donald Trump, whom Sherrill recently voted to impeach.

“She deserves to work with a president whose allegiance is to the country, not himself, and who is as committed as she is to rebuilding our infrastructure, reducing gun violence, and honoring our veterans… and that’s what I’ll be,” Bloomberg said.

• See related article: Mike Bloomberg Launches Presidential Campaign

Sherrill's endorsement immediately inspired a wave of comments online, both in support and opposition.

The congresswoman's Republican opponent in the next election, Rosemary Becchi, blasted the endorsement on Twitter:

"Buy-the-Presidency Bloomberg gave Mikie Sherrill $1.87 million for her endorsement. An endorsement for a man who wants to raise taxes by $5 trillion. We deserve better than a Bloomberg-bought member we can't trust. It’s time to stop the Sherrill Charade."

Other Twitter users offered enthusiastic support, however.

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