MANCHESTER — Raymond Buckley, New Hampshire’s top Democrat, went from contender to potential kingmaker Saturday, exiting the Democratic National Committee chairman’s race to endorse Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison.

During a telephone interview, Buckley said he’s “100 percent” convinced Ellison will get the 224 votes needed to become chairman on the first ballot when the DNC meets next Friday in Atlanta.“

Absolutely 100 percent convinced, I have been on the phone the last couple of hours, the response has been really terrific,” Buckley said. “He will have this thing wrapped up in a couple of days.”

…If he wins, Ellison, the first Muslim-American elected to Congress, is expected to reward Buckley with a more high profile role. Buckley is already president of the Association of Democratic State Chairs.

Ellison said he would empower Buckley to quarterback a “57 state strategy” referring to America’s 50 states, six territories and U.S. Democrats living abroad.

NH Democrat Buckley drops out, endorses national chair hopeful | New Hampshire

hmmmm