Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett on Thursday formally endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president.
The announcement made official the word released last month by her press secretary, Richard Motta, who told the Source, "I can tell you she’s supporting Hillary."
In Thursday’s news release, Plaskett congratulated Clinton for her win in the New York Democratic primary and encouraged the territory’s local delegates to the Democratic National Convention to support Clinton as the party’s nominee.
Plaskett is a "superdelegate" with the territory’s Democratic National Party, which means she will go to the convention uncommitted.
In Thursday’s statement, Plaskett said Clinton’s history and public service record not only makes her the best qualified candidate for president in 2016, but also the best choice for Virgin Islanders.
“I am proud to announce my support for Hillary Clinton as our Democratic nominee for president of the United States. … As first lady, Hillary Clinton fought to ensure easy access to high-quality health care for working families, and I am proud to stand with her as she works toward finding a sustainable solution to expanding health coverage to the U.S. Virgin Islands under the Affordable Care Act as our next president,” Plaskett said.
The delegate said Clinton’s four years as secretary of state gives her greater understanding of the challenges and concerns of the Virgin Islands.
"She has demonstrated empathy and a willingness to go the extra mile for minorities and underserved communities in the past. She will build bridges of understanding over walls of separation,” Plaskett said.
Plaskett and her colleague, Rep. Yvette Clark (D-NY), are co-chairs of the Caribbean Americans for Clinton Committee.
