The Hill News

President Obama is throwing his support behind Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) in a Democratic primary race, according to The Associated Press on Friday.

The move will likely prompt other Democrats in primary contests to seek the White House's support.

Conyers was the first Congressional Black Caucus member to endorse Obama during the Democratic presidential primary in 2008, but in 2009 there was tension between the two that prompted Obama to personally call Conyers to ask him why he was "demeaning him." Conyers, one of the most senior members of the House, had sternly criticized Obama over healthcare reform and the war in Afghanistan.

Last year, Conyers publicly asked Obama to back his reelection bid.

Read more...