Nolan Will Support Sanders at Convention

MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Minn., will put his support behind presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at the Democratic National Convention in July.

Nolan is a so-called superdelegate and free to support Sanders or Hillary Clinton at the convention, and not bound by results of the state’s caucus or primary.

Sanders won the Minnesota’s caucus in March despite Clinton earning endorsement from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith.

U.S. Reps. Keith Ellison and Collin Peterson, also superdelegates, said they would support Sanders at the convention.

“The Democratic Party is fortunate to have two qualified presidential candidates, both of whom offer substantive solutions to the problems facing Americans,” Nolan said in a news release. “I’ve considered a number of factors in making this decision, including the will of Minnesota caucus attendees, specifically those in the 8th Congressional District. Bernie’s message and his authenticity appeals to voters here, and it appeals to me. I’ll be proud to cast my vote for him in Philadelphia this summer.”

A large number of Democrat superdelegates have already committed to Clinton, who holds a large lead in the delegate count to earn a nomination. Sanders has gained momentum in recent weeks winning Wyoming on Saturday, adding to a streak of victories.