RI State Sen. Sheehan Endorses Bernie Sanders for President

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI—The Rhode Island Senator leading the rallying cry for ethics oversight of elected officials at the State House has endorsed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for President.

Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett) announced his support for Sanders on Sunday, citing Sanders' "his character, consistency on important issues and his cause to renew the promise of the American Dream.

"While I do not agree with him on every issue, Senator Sanders is an honest and independent-minded leader whose sound judgment has consistently placed him on the right side of a number of issues critical to our nation's future," Sheehan said.

Sheehan's full announcement is below:

PROVIDENCE, RI — While attending the opening of the Rhode Island for Bernie headquarters yesterday in Providence, Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett) announced his support for Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Bernie Sanders in the upcoming Rhode Island Presidential Preference Primary on April 26, 2016. While not known as a progressive Democrat, Senator Sheehan said he was persuaded to support Senator Sanders because of his character, consistency on important issues and his cause to renew the promise of the American Dream.

"While I do not agree with him on every issue, Senator Sanders is an honest and independent-minded leader whose sound judgment has consistently placed him on the right side of a number of issues critical to our nation's future," said Senator Sheehan.

Senator Sheehan explained further,"Bernie consistently has fought for the working men and women of America. Specifically, he has fought against unfair trade deals, for free [public] college education, and against the excesses of Wall Street. Most importantly, Bernie is correct to oppose vehemently the corrosive influence of limitless money in politics, which makes systemic change difficult. However, unlike establishment politicians, Bernie will not be obligated to any big money contributors, permitting him to take on the nation's most vexing problems," said Senator Sheehan.

Senator Sheehan was encouraged to take a closer look at Senator Sanders by his wife (Meredith) who is from Vermont, the home state of Senator Sanders. As Senator Sheehan moved past the "Democratic Socialist" label, he began to examine Candidate Sanders actual positions on the issues confronting the nation. With this in mind, Senator Sheehan and his wife attended a Bernie Sanders for President rally in Portsmouth, NH to see the candidate in person.

Senator Sheehan recalled,"Senator Sanders does not strike you as a celebrity or pop star. However, when he began to speak, Bernie's passion, conviction and sincerity of purpose lit-up the capacity crowd. It was clear to me that day, that Bernie Sanders was not a politician, but a courageous missionary in the cause of renewing the promise of the American Dream. At that point, I guess you can say I was 'feelin' the Bern.'"