Kennedy wins an endorsement from Representative John Lewis, a civil rights icon

The Lewis endorsement could help Kennedy push back against arguments he is not as progressive as rival Edward Markey.

Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., attends a Sept. 10, 2019 ceremony to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first recorded arrival of enslaved African people in America. — Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., attends a Sept. 10, 2019 ceremony to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first recorded arrival of enslaved African people in America. –AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

By

The Boston Globe

January 15, 2020

Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III picked up some notable endorsements from House colleagues in his primary race against Senator Edward J. Markey, gaining the backing of several high-profile Democrats, including the civil rights icon John Lewis.

“In the years that I have known Joe Kennedy I have seen him stand up and fight — time and again — for the suffering, the struggling, and the silenced,’’ said the 79-year-old Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who was a pivotal player in the civil rights movement.

“At a moment of profound national crisis, Joe offers our country the kind of powerful moral leadership it needs,’’ Lewis said. “He is a clear voice for justice and dignity in our rising generation of public servants. I am proud to endorse his run for the US Senate.’’

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