Bill Clinton endorses Ruben Kihuen for Congress

By Megan Messerly

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 | 2:57 p.m.

Former President Bill Clinton has endorsed fellow Democrat Ruben Kihuen in a primary battle for Nevada’s 4th Congressional District and a shot at unseating the Republican incumbent.

In a statement issued today, Clinton called Kihuen, a state senator, an “experienced legislator with proven results,” adding that Kihuen would focus on expanding gun background checks and fight for equal pay.

“Ruben is a progressive champion and the kind of leader our party needs now more than ever,” Clinton said.

Kihuen said in a statement he was humbled by Clinton’s endorsement.

“President Clinton and I share a vision for an America that works for everyone,” Kihuen said. “He knows what it takes to achieve results in Congress and I will work everyday to ensure Nevadans have a fair shot at the American Dream.”

Kihuen endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her bid for the presidency ahead of the Nevada caucuses. He is also a superdelegate who has pledged to vote for her at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this summer.

One of Kihuen’s two main opponents, Lucy Flores, is a backer of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders returned the favor by sending out fundraising solicitations on her behalf, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations.

Kihuen and Flores are locked in what is considered a three-way primary battle with philanthropist Susie Lee for the Democratic nomination.

Whoever wins will go on to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Cresent Hardy in November.

Early voting in the primaries starts Saturday and continues through June 10. Primary day is June 14.