After New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker announced recently that he is not being vetted “as a potential vice presidential running mate for Hillary Clinton,” political analysts are wondering aloud just whom she will pick in her historic bid to become U.S. president.
Given her constant outreach to communities of color during the ongoing and hard-fought primaries, she will likely pick a woman or person of color. And thanks to lessons from President Obama, who was propelled to office twice by voters of color, she understands the importance of the electorate.
But it can’t just be lip service. In order to lure voters of color to the polls on Election Day after Obama, she will need a running mate of color or a woman to show that she is serious about tackling issues of equal pay, criminal justice reform, and overhauling the education system.
Here are some names for her to consider:
New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
Although Hakeem Jeffries‘ name does not appear to be on the list, we’ve added his name since New Yorkers have dominated the presidential race this election season. Serving his second term, he represents the diverse Eighth Congressional District of New York, an area that encompasses large parts of Brooklyn and a section of Queens. He has been a vociferous advocate for criminal justice reform, college affordability, and social and economic justice.
California Rep. Xavier Becerra
The veteran House member is the highest-ranking Latino lawmaker in the Democratic Party, and is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. He told CNN’s Dana Bash on State of the Union that he’s in constant communication with her campaign, “but I can’t tell you I know where they are on this vetting process.”
Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty
While she does not appear to be on Clinton’s short list, we like Beatty because she is a woman on the move. She has been the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 3rd congressional district since 2013. She has been vocal on issues of criminal justice reform, gun control, and LGBT rights.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, California’s Democratic Attorney General, is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. She would go a long way in helping Clinton to implement her pledge to overhaul the nation’s floundering criminal justice system.
Deval Patrick
Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. He left office in 2015 and “joined Bain Capital, the Boston-based private equity firm founded by his gubernatorial predecessor Mitt Romney, as a managing director,” according to the Boston Globe. In 2007, Patrick became the first and, thus far, only African-American governor of the Bay State.
Do you have any running mate choices for Clinton? Sound off in the comments.
SOURCE: Politico | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty | VIDEO CREDIT: Inform
SEE ALSO:
Here Are 5 Black Vice Presidential Picks For Donald Trump
5 People Of Color Who Would Be A Good Running Mate For Hillary Clinton was originally published on newsone.com
