Kenney endorses Clinton

Pennsylvania's April 26 Democratic primary for president is nine weeks away, but the campaign is coming to Philadelphia this week. Mayor Kenney endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, saying he trusts her "with our nation's future."

"Hillary Clinton has the heart, strength, and depth of knowledge and experience to unite our nation and lead us during these troubled times," Kenney said in a statement announcing the endorsement. "She will build on the accomplishments of President Obama and continue the economic growth and expansion he successfully initiated."

Kenney followed up his endorsement with some comments about Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination for president.

"It is frightening that our country has gone in this direction, that a major party will nominate, potentially, a person like Donald Trump, who, if you listen to him on a day-to-day basis, it's a frightening set of statements that he makes regularly," Kenney said.

Clinton called Kenney in May to congratulate him on his victory in the Democratic primary election for mayor.

She also counts former Mayor Michael Nutter and former Gov. Ed Rendell as supporters in Pennsylvania.

Local campaign volunteers for Clinton's rival, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, plan a rally at City Hall at noon Saturday.

The next contest between the two Democrats is the South Carolina primary Saturday.

brennac@phillynews.com 215-854-5973 @ByChrisBrennan

Staff Writer Tricia L. Nadolny contributed to this article.