Trump’s Labor nominee picks up Democratic vote

A Senate Democrat says he’ll back President Trump’s pick to lead the Labor Department.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) will vote for Labor Secretary nominee Alex Acosta, who hails from his home state of Florida, a spokesperson for the senator said Tuesday.

{mosads}The fight over filling the Labor secretary position has been heated in Washington. Last month, the president’s first choice, restaurant executive Andrew Puzder, flamed out following accusations that he mistreated his workers, questions about his divorce and the revelation he employed an undocumented immigrant as a housekeeper.

Trump followed up by nominating Acosta, a former member of the National Labor Relations Board, who is seen as a more neutral pick.

Nelson’s support signals that some Democrats — and more importantly, moderate Republicans — could get behind Acosta.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Acosta next Wednesday.