Biden’s Frontrunner Status will assist Local Turnout; Help Council ticket to Victory says Democratic Leader
The emergence of former Vice-President Joe Biden as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for president has local Democrats optimistic as they finalize their ticket for North Arlington Borough Council.
In a race that once had two dozen candidates; has shed to just two in the former Vice-President from Delaware and the US Senator from Vermont; Bernie Sanders.
Sanders, the self-described independent socialist came close four years ago in toppling Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former First Lady, US Senator from New York and former Secretary of State.
Many Democrats are happy to see the party consolidate around the Biden candidacy which just a few weeks ago seemed doomed.
Support for Biden spiked after a crushing win in South Carolina which led to an impressive Super Tuesday sweep of the south and winner of ten of the fourteen contests including a better than expected showing in Texas, aided by the endorsement of former US Rep. Beto O’Rourke.
Biden also secured the endorsements of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, US Senator Amy Klobuchar as well as former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
Now the leader in the delegate count, Biden could close the door on the nomination this Tuesday with a victory in Michigan.
“The nomination is for Joe Biden to lose. He has the momentum and an impending Barack Obama endorsement appears imminent,” offered one local observer.
Democratic Municipal Chairman Nick Antonicello, a retired union president and labor leader believes Biden checks many boxes for North Arlington Democrats.
“Local Democrats have not lost in a presidential year since 2000. Biden is a neighboring Delaware resident as well as strong ties to Pennsylvania. He has considerable support from organized labor and could be the second Catholic to become president. He is popular and likable and will help us up and down the Democratic column,” offered Antonicello.
While the ticket has not been finalized, Antonicello says he’s met with several “top flight possibilities” and is confident the local ticket will be qualified, competent and ready to serve the party as well as the public.
Biden seems to be the candidate North Arlington insiders believe give NA Democrats the best chance against the NA GOP come the fall campaign.
“We need a candidate who has the credentials to lead and Joe Biden has the resume and record to take the fight to the Republicans. He is clearly the candidate Republicans fear,” said the longtime Democratic leader.
Antonicello hopes to announce a local ticket by the end of the month.
Want to comment?
E-mail us at [email protected]