Obama releases list of latest endorsements -- with some conspicuous omissions

Former President Barack Obama released another list of midterm endorsements Monday, this one more than three times the size of the list he released over the summer -- but Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) was noticeably absent.

Ellison, who is running for Minnesota Attorney General, is currently embroiled in a domestic abuse scandal stemming from allegations made by an ex-girlfriend, which Ellison denies and which a Democratic lawyer said have not been substantiated.

"Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service," a post on Obama's Twitter account read.

Why wouldn't he endorse Ellison?

While the domestic abuse allegations on their own might have been enough to get Obama to stay away from endorsing Ellison, it could also be Ellison's 2017 criticism of Obama's party leadership that led to the snub.

Ellison put blame on Obama for the Democratic Party's losses during the 2016 election, saying Obama was "great at getting himself elected" but that he didn't campaign enough or work with Congress enough while in office.

"...Barack Obama could have been a better party leader, and I think the fact that he wasn’t put his legacy in jeopardy,” Ellison said.

Other notables from the list

Obama endorsed Democratic Socialist congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York on this list. Ocasio-Cortez is a far-left candidate who unseated a veteran establishment Democrat in the primary, and is a heavy favorite to win in November.

Another notable absence was Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic representative who is running for Sen. Ted Cruz's seat in Texas. O'Rourke is an extremely popular Democratic figure who has pushed Cruz into a tough race.

Obama endorsed 260 candidates in total on Monday's list.

(H/T The Daily Caller)