January 29, 2008

Endorsement of the day: Waters for Clinton

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton today picked up the endorsement of Maxine Waters, a veteran congresswoman and powerful voice in Los Angeles' African American community.

In a conference call with Clinton, Waters said she chose to endorse the former first lady because "she is a no-nonsense, experienced public policy maker who has demonstrated an ability to solve complex problems."

Clinton, who praised Waters as a fighter against urban poverty, said she hopes to renew America's commitment to create "empowerment zones" to promote economic opportunities in America's cities. The plan was first advanced by her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Sen. Clinton said she hopes to create "new market tax incentives ... that will help people start businesses and stay in them."

"We need a very vigorous approach because the Bush administration has been missing in action," she said.

-- Peter Hecht

Posted by Shane Goldmacher on January 29, 2008 11:24 AM