February 19
17:01
2016
(Reuters) – U.S. Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina backed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, giving her campaign a vital boost from the state's most influential black politician ahead of next week's primary. Clyburn's endorsement comes as Clinton battles rival Bernie Sanders for the support of blacks in the South Carolina contest on Feb. 27, when more than half of the voters are likely to be black. Clyburn's backing could help solidify that lead.