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Sen. Cortez Masto withdraws name from Biden VP consideration

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Posted at 3:55 PM, May 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-29 00:36:42-04

NEVADA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada said Thursday that she’s not interested in serving as running mate to presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden.

Cortez Masto, who in 2016 became the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate, said in a statement that she supports the former vice president but does not want to join the Democratic presidential ticket.

“I support Joe Biden 100% and will work tirelessly to help get him elected this November. It is an honor to be considered as a potential running mate but I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration,” Cortez Masto said in a statement.

Nevada Sen. Cortez Masto talks future, current issues facing Silver State

She noted that Nevada’s economy is one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus, with the worst unemployment rate in the nation at 28.2%. She said she will focus on getting Nevada residents back on their feet.

She did not offer more information about her decision to withdraw.

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Former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid also released the following statement:

“I can’t say enough about my admiration for Sen. Cortez Masto. She is a truly gifted leader who always puts Nevada first, and I will continue supporting her however I can. Her leadership will be critical as Nevada and the country recovers from this public health and economic crisis.”