Why Larsen endorsed Clinton

As this blog reported exclusively earlier in the day, New Hampshire State Senate President Sylvia Larsen endorsed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign today.

Since Governor John Lynch has said he will not pick sides (for now, at least), Larsen is the highest endorsement of Democratic office holder in the state.

But why did she pick Clinton?

In a conference call with reporters Larsen said it came down to one issue: trust.

“The bottom line is that I trust Hillary Clinton,” said Larsen.

News of her endorsement today surprised many who closely watch New Hampshire politics. Larsen said repeatedly that she wouldn’t endorse any presidential candidate until the legislative session was over in July. Currently, Larsen is in her first session as Senate president.

Larsen said as Mother’s Day approached she began thinking about issues involving families and specifically healthcare for children, and she picked Clinton.

She has visited with nearly all Democratic presidential candidates, she said. She first met Hillary in 1990 when "she was the wife of an unknown Governor from Arkansas." She was impressed with her then, but thought going into this primary season that Clinton had "let things go to her head" and "was a changed person."

But after seeing her on the trail in New Hampshire, Larsen "came away favorably impressed" and made her choice.