Ellison wins Wisconsin support for DNC post

Madison — A Minnesota congressman seeking to lead the Democratic party has secured support from three of Wisconsin's six national party delegates.

Keith Ellison now has three Wisconsin delegates to the Democratic National Committee backing Ellison's bid for the DNC chairman post — Eau Claire City Council member Andrew Werthmann, state Rep. David Bowen of Milwaukee and state party chairwoman Martha Laning.

Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress and a liberal with backing from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is running for DNC chairman against U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez.

Other DNC delegates from Wisconsin are remaining neutral: Martha Love, state Sen. Janet Bewley of Ashland and Jason Rae, who is running for DNC secretary. Other Wisconsin Democrats supporting Ellison include Sen. Chris Larson of Milwaukee and Rep. Katrina Shankland of Stevens Point.