Former Democratic National Convention chair Howard Dean on Friday said that Sen. Chuck Schumer's (D., N.Y.) endorsement of Rep. Keith Ellison (D., Minn.) is a "kiss of death."
"I think Chuck Schumer’s endorsement is the kiss of death," Dean said at an event supporting rival DNC candidate Pete Buttigieg, The Hill reported.
"Because I had to say no to Chuck Schumer when he demanded $5 million, because I said, 'Chuck, you’re not getting it for the DSCC; I’m putting it into local races,'" Dean added, referring to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Dean, a former Vermont governor, chaired the DNC from 2005 to 2009. He planned to run for chair again, but withdrew his name from the race in December.
The race for DNC chair highlights a growing divide in the Democratic party, with the progressives represented by Ellison and the Obama administration loyalists represented by Tom Perez, who served as Obama's Secretary of Labor. Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Perez, while progressive leaders Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) endorsed Ellison.
The election is set to take place Saturday.
