DETROIT – In another show of growing support, state Sen. Bert Johnson of Detroit endorsed U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. Johnson cited Sanders’ lifelong commitment to civil rights and his work to support the working class and end economic inequality.

“Bernie’s concerns are the same concerns that I have for my constituents. His commitment to create jobs, reduce inequity and end the disparities between whites and blacks.” said Johnson.

“Sen. Sanders understands what is happening here on the ground in Michigan and his policies will directly support the residents of my district.”

Johnson’s Senate district includes northeast Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and all five Grosse Pointe communities.

“Sen. Johnson’s endorsement shows us that the people who know Michigan best, understand that Sen. Sanders is the right choice for president,” said Ryan Hughes, Michigan state director for Sanders’ campaign.

“Bernie’s career commitment to civil rights, his push to end inequity, his work to give workers a $15 hour minimum wage and his plans to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure will give Detroit and all of Michigan a future they can believe in.”

Sanders on Sunday welcomed the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Donald W. Riegle, who represented Michigan in both the House of Representatives and the Senate from 1967 to 1995.

“The young people of America want their future back,” Riegle said in a prepared statement. “They refuse to become a lost generation. Bernie is showing them that they can use their own individual power to speak – and organize – and act together – with other concerned citizens of all ages and backgrounds to work as a team – to take back their own government – to break the stranglehold of the special interest money and control.”

To read Sen. Riegle’s full statement in support of Sanders, click here.

One day before Michigan Democrats headed to the polls, Sanders’ presidential campaign on released a new radio ad responding to Hillary Clinton’s dishonest and negative attack on his support in 2008 for an automobile industry rescue package. Sanders on Dec. 11, 2008, voted for a $14 billion auto rescue package. During a debate Monday in Flint, Michigan, Clinton falsely claimed he opposed the assistance for carmakers and auto workers. The ad, which will be broadcast on radio stations across Michigan, says Sanders “has always been on the side of Michigan workers and working families.” He not only voted for the auto rescue package, “he’s the only candidate who’s opposed the job-killing trade deals that have crushed manufacturing.” Clinton, the ad says, is “trying to distort the truth about Bernie’s record.” The ad quotes an article in The Washington Post suggesting that Clinton was trying to deceive voters on the eve of Tuesday’s Michigan primary election. The Post said Clinton “glosses over a lot . . . including the fact that Sanders is actually on the record as supporting the auto bailout. He even voted for it.” The Post also said of Clinton, “it seems like she’s willing to take the gamble that fact checkers may call her out for her tactic… but that voters won’t.” The ad concludes by saying that “Michigan voters deserve better than typical Washington tactics. Hoping voters don’t figure out what you’re up to till it’s too late. There’s only one candidate who honestly tells it like it is and isn’t afraid of standing up for Michigan workers and that’s Bernie Sanders.” Read the transcript here.

Connect with NJTODAY.NET

Join NJTODAY.NET's free Email List to receive occasional updates delivered right to your email address!