Hastings backs Kamala Harris over Joe Biden

Vice President Joe Biden is pressing away at is presidential bid, but just lost a key and potential endorser in Florida, Rep. Alcee Hastings (D).

Hastings, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has thrown his support behind Sen. Kamala Harris.

"We live in historically troubling times and are in desperate need of leadership that exemplifies courage, conviction and moral clarity," Hastings said, adding that Harris is "ready to solve for the issues that especially impact communities of color including access to quality and affordable healthcare."

Harris among black voters and around the southern tip of Florida, where she's set to publicly campaign next week, for the first time since announcing in January, around the first presidential Democratic debates in Miami.

"Alcee is a career public servant and staunch voice for hardworking families and I'm proud to have his endorsement in this race," Harris said. "I'm glad that he is joining this people-powered campaign in our fight to restore truth and justice in America and to build an economy that works for everyone."

The controversial Hastings, who as a federal judge was impeached for bribery, backed Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential campaign, so his support for Harris may not come to all that of a surprise to many political operatives and media types.

Hastings, who also sits on the House Rules Committee,  recently outlined the rules for this past week's impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Rich irony? Yes.