Once a leading candidate, Cooper says Walz ‘outstanding running mate’

(The Center Square) – Once a top candidate, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday lauded the decision of Vice President Kamala Harris in putting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on the Democrats’ presidential ticket.

“Kamala Harris has picked an outstanding running mate in Governor Tim Walz,” Cooper said in a statement posted to social media. “Governors like him know what it takes to get the job done, and he will be an outstanding vice president, doubling down on his work to support middle class families, protect reproductive freedom, and safeguard our democracy.”

Cooper and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro emerged as the leading candidates to be the vice president running mate of Harris right after the July 21 decision by President Joe Biden abruptly changing course on reelection. Cooper, a week ago, removed his name from consideration leaving Shapiro, Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as most likely to be selected.

Over the weekend and into Monday as Harris, 59, talked to six vetted candidates, the 60-year-old Walz emerged.

Of no surprise, the state’s top Democrats did not voice objections, and some Republicans opined the path to victory for former President Donald Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, has been helped.

Social media actions praising the choice could be found for Democratic U.S. Reps. Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee, Kathy Manning and Wiley Nickel. Taking aim at the choice were Republican Reps. Dr. Greg Murphy, Dan Bishop and Richard Hudson.

The candidates for governor also weighed in.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein wrote, “Governor Tim Walz will make a great vice president. A veteran, educator and dedicated public servant, I have no doubt he will fight for the American people just as he has fought for the people of Minnesota. Let’s get to work!”

Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson wrote, “It’s clear what many hardworking North Carolinians feared: This is the most radical Democratic ticket in our nation’s history, and far-left career politician Josh Stein is thrilled. From pushing taxpayer-funded handouts for illegal immigrants, to advocating dangerous sex-change surgeries for minors and demanding period products in boys’ bathrooms, to proposing massive gas taxes, there’s no daylight between the radical policies of Harris/Walz and Josh Stein.”