Pete for America
Feb. 28, 2020

Pete Buttigieg Picks Up Another Endorsement from Obama Administration Official

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, Pete for America announced that Christina Romer, a former top Obama economics adviser has endorsed Pete, citing his outstanding economic policies that will help all Americans. Romer served as Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) during the height of the financial crisis and the Great Recession, and was instrumental in formulating the Obama administration’s recovery plan.

“Pete blends progressive economic goals with sound, evidence-based policy proposals," Romer said. "I particularly appreciate his well thought out plans for universal early childhood education, expanding access to health care, and discouraging dependence on fossil fuels. His policy prescriptions are not just excellent, they are feasible even in the challenging political environment. And Pete’s kindness, decency, and passion for helping all Americans fill me with hope again.”

Austan Goolsbee, another former CEA Chair under Obama, has previously endorsed Pete.

Christina Romer, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. Romer was the first CEA Chair to serve in the Obama Administration. In addition to her leadership in developing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, she also helped design and make the case for the Affordable Care Act, which has expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans and slowed the growth of health care costs. Romer is the Class of 1957 Garff B. Wilson Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley.

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Pete for America
Feb. 26, 2020

Director and Producer Lee Daniels Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President

LOS ANGELES — Today, Academy Award-winning Director and Producer Lee Daniels announced he is endorsing Pete Buttigieg for President.

“The darkness and division in America didn’t start under this Administration, but this president has certainly exploited our worst instincts,” said Daniels. “The next leader of our country has a daunting task ahead of them, but I believe that Pete is prepared to bring our country together to confront the biggest challenges we face, from dismantling systemic racism to passing gun violence prevention legislation and combating climate change. This is the most critical election of our lifetimes, and I am supporting Pete because he is our best hope to unify the country to resoundingly defeat Trump and Trumpism at the ballot box in November.”

“Lee Daniels’ has brought us powerful stories which examine the conscience of the country and reflect the struggles that too many American families face,” said Buttigieg. “As a major fan of his career and his work, I’m honored to have Lee’s support in this election. His ability to communicate the urgency of this moment and the need to bring about a new era is invaluable in this election.”

Daniels is well-known for his major television and movie productions including “Empire” and “Precious,” and “the Butler.” He created his own production company, Lee Daniels Entertainment, in 2001. Following his endorsement, Daniels will host an event in support of Pete’s campaign.

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Pete for America
For Immediate Release:
January 9, 2020
Contact:
Ben Halle
Sean Manning 

Congressman Dave Loebsack endorses Pete Buttigieg for President

Loebsack is the longest actively serving Democratic Member of Congress in Iowa

DES MOINES, IA –– Today, seven-term Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced his endorsement of Pete Buttigieg for president.

"I'm proud to announce that I'm endorsing Pete Buttigieg to be the next president of the United States,” said Congressman Dave Loebsack. “Pete offers a new kind of leadership that we desperately need –– he's a midwestern mayor, a veteran, and is from a new generation. Iowans and our country face great challenges like climate change, increasing health care costs, and an economy that isn't working for the majority of Americans. They can't be solved with the same political warfare that is on display in Washington. Pete is the candidate that can heal our divides, restore decency to the presidency, and bring this country together. When I introduced Pete to a crowd of more than 1,000 Iowans in Mount Vernon in December, it was clear that his campaign is already inspiring a sense of hope and optimism. With Pete in the Oval Office, I believe our nation will unite and move forward together."

“As an educator and a public servant, Dave Loebsack has dedicated his life’s work to creating opportunities and making life better for Iowans. Congressman Loebsack has never let the partisan fighting in Washington get in the way of delivering on the priorities of his constituents,” said Buttigieg. “I am honored to have Congressman Loebsack’s endorsement, and I look forward to him joining me on the trail to work together to heal the deep divisions in this country while also addressing the most urgent issues facing us.”

Loebsack represents Iowa’s crucial second congressional district, which includes much of the Eastern and Southern Iowa –– including Iowa City. Despite Donald Trump winning the 2nd congressional district in 2016, Congressman Loebsack won reelection.

This evening Loebsack will introduce Pete at his town hall in Des Moines. In December, he also introduced Pete at a town hall in Mount Vernon to a crowd of over 1,000. The town hall was the largest event held by a single candidate in Linn County this caucus cycle.

Loebsack is serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives and sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Rural Caucus. Since being elected by the Second District, Loebsack has been a relentless advocate for Iowans, addressing critical issues that are facing hard-working, Iowa families.

Congressman Dave Loebsack grew up in poverty and was raised by a single parent in Sioux City, where he attended East High School. After graduation, Loebsack attended Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree. Loebsack then went on to earn a PhD from the University of California, Davis before moving back to Iowa and becoming a teacher at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon.

Loebsack joins State Representatives Kristin Sunde and Brian Meyer, State Senators Tony Bisignano and Bill Dotzler, former State Rep. Deb Berry, and over 115 other Democratic elected officials and activists in Iowa backing Pete for president.

The endorsement comes as Pete makes his 22nd trip to Iowa this year. Iowans continue to show up in record numbers to hear Pete speak in every corner of the state. This caucus cycle he has drawn the largest crowds of any candidate in Algona, Ankeny, Atlantic, Boone, Burlington, Centerville, Charles City, Creston, Davenport, Decorah, Denison, Des Moines, Dubuque, Elkader, Fort Dodge, Fort Madison, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Keokuk, Knoxville, Maquoketa, Marshalltown, Mason City, Mount Vernon, Newton, Ottumwa, Perry, Shenandoah, Spencer, Tipton, Washington, Waterloo, Webster City, and West Des Moines.

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Pete for America
For Immediate Release: January 9, 2020

Contact: Chris Meagher
Matt Verghese [Brown]

Congressman Anthony G. Brown Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President, Named First National Campaign Co-Chair

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, Congressman Anthony G. Brown (D-MD) announced he is backing Pete Buttigieg for President of the United States, citing Pete’s ability to unite Americans around our country’s shared values. Brown, who is the former Lt. Governor of Maryland, served his country in Iraq, and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, will become the campaign’s first national co-chair.

“Our country needs a president who can heal our divides and restore decency to our nation’s highest office,” said Brown. “Pete’s message is not defined by exclusion but welcomes everyone into the fight to tackle our nation’s greatest challenges. As we fight for the future of the soul of our country here at home, we also remain entangled in endless wars abroad and the threats to American lives and interests around the world have increased. After serving three decades in the Army and Army Reserve and now as Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m acutely aware that the top priority for the President should be the security and safety of our nation, which is why my choice for president is Mayor Pete Buttigieg.”

“As a veteran of the Iraq War, Congressman Brown understands firsthand the gravity of the decisions that are made in Washington,” said Buttigieg. “Congressman Brown has been a leader in rejecting the political warfare we have come to expect from Washington, focused on keeping our nation safe while working to end endless wars, boosting workforce development, and make sure we have an economy that works for everyone. I am honored to have Congressman Brown’s endorsement and am thrilled to have him co-chair my campaign, as we work together to heal our nation’s divides and restore decency and respect to the presidency so that we can get to work on the urgent issues facing our country.”

Brown is a former Colonel of the United States Army Reserve and while Lt. Governor was one of the highest ranking public officials to have served in Iraq and earned the Bronze Star. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for more than 30 years. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Committee where he works to support the men and women serving in our Armed Forces while shaping policy to ensure the country is making smart investments to fight 21st-century threats and keep our country safe. During his time as Lt. Governor of Maryland, Brown worked to increase employment opportunities and health services to veterans. Brown is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

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Pete for America
For Immediate Release: December 5, 2019

Contact: Chris Meagher

Pete Buttigieg Picks Up Endorsements from Key Obama Administration Officials

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, Pete for America announced the endorsements of three former Obama administration officials, who cited the power of Pete’s message and his ability to unite the country around our shared values ahead of the 2020 election.

The three endorsers are: Reggie Love, former Special Assistant to President Obama, Austan Goolsbee, former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Linda Douglass, former Director of Communications for the White House Office of Health Reform.

“I am supporting Pete Buttigieg because I believe that he has the character, the will, and the experience to fight for equality, justice, and opportunity for all Americans,” Love said. “With the average age of the U.S. House at 57, and the average age of Senate at 62, the younger generation needs to take a more active participation in the leadership and the direction of this country. Pete can galvanize a new electoral body that is a more accurate representation of what America actually is. A lot of what is said about Pete echoes what critics said about presidential candidate Barack Obama – too young, too different, maybe another time – but I believe there is never a better time to fight for change than right now.”

“Mayor Pete has good ideas. That’s why I support him,” Goolsbee said. “Elections are about the future. I think he can help us get somewhere better than we are right now and help improve the lives of ordinary Americans. It has been awhile since I have seen the kind of excitement on the ground in Iowa that Mayor Pete has generated. And the last time worked out pretty well.”

“I met Pete a few years ago and admire his intelligence, wisdom and extraordinary ability to communicate clearly and powerfully about the challenges we face today,” Douglass said. “He is passionate about public service and about improving the lives of Americans in every part of the country. I am excited by the prospect of a leader who comes from a new generation and who represents that generation’s unique understanding of what the future may hold. That is why I am proud to support Pete Buttigieg for President at this critical moment in our history.”

Reggie Love, former Special Assistant to President Barack Obama
Love first joined Barack Obama’s Senate office as the deputy political director. During Obama’s first presidential run and in the White House, Love served as President Obama’s special assistant and personal aide before leaving the White House to earn his MBA at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

Austan Goolsbee, former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers
Goolsbee is the Robert P. Gwinn Professor of Economics at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. He previously served as a member of President Obama’s cabinet and on the Panel of Economic Advisors to the Congressional Budget Office.

Linda Douglass, former Director of Communications for the White House Office of Health Reform
During Obama’s 2008 campaign, Douglass was a senior advisor and traveling spokesperson for then-Senator Obama. In the Obama administration, Douglass served as the primary spokesperson leading up to the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

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Pete for America
For Immediate Release: November 25, 2019
Contact: Chris Meagher

New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-04), announced her endorsement of Pete Buttigieg for President, citing his ability to unify Americans behind the bold solutions we need to move our country forward:

"2020 is the most consequential election in our lifetime, and I want to fight for a candidate who represents me and my constituents, who can unite our country, and who has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” said Rice. “For me, that candidate is Pete Buttigieg. Pete has demonstrated an unmatched ability and willingness to reach voters from across the political spectrum. He has introduced bold, yet commonsense policies that will address both our nation's long- and short-term challenges, and has avoided the divisive rhetoric that too often derails these important conversations. Pete represents the new voice and fresh perspective that our party and our country needs right now, and I'm proud to endorse him."

Rep. Kathleen Rice represents New York's 4th Congressional District, which covers parts of Nassau County, NY. She was first elected to Congress in 2014 and currently serves as the Chair as the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations and as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Rice began her career in public service as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, NY. In 2005, Kathleen ran for District Attorney of Nassau County, NY, where she defeated a 31-year incumbent and became the first woman elected District Attorney in Long Island history.

Rep. Rice’s endorsement directly follows U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Merrillville) announcing his support for Pete Buttigieg yesterday.

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Pete for America
For Immediate Release: November 25, 2019
Contact: Chris Meagher

Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Merrillville) announced his endorsement of Pete Buttigieg for President, citing his record of standing with working families and his vision for an economy that works for everyone.

“For decades, I’ve worked alongside the labor community to ensure that Hoosier families could get a fair shake. With labor rights under assault across the country, we need a leader who views fair wages and safe working conditions as key to the economic success of this nation,” said Rep. Visclosky. “I’ve known Mayor Pete Buttigieg for nearly a decade. I’ve seen him stand with organized labor and have admired his successful record of creating economic opportunities for working families against great odds. It gives me great pride to endorse Pete Buttigieg for President of the United States. We deserve a president who has not only fought for our country but who will continue to fight for an economy that works for everyone. Pete has seen firsthand what corporate recklessness can do to American families and I’m confident he can usher in a new era of economic success.”

Rep. Visclosky is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee where he’s worked to support the men and women serving in our Armed Forces. He is also a member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, where he works to support investments in our national infrastructure, including our ports, harbors, and waterways. Visclosky is married to Joanne Royce and has two sons, John and Tim.

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Washington Post: Buttigieg gets first endorsement from member of Congress, Rep. Don Beyer of Va.

Key Excerpts:

Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg won his first endorsement from a member of Congress Wednesday, as Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) announced that he was backing the young Indiana politician known as “Mayor Pete.”

“The thing that really most impressed me was listening to him,” he said. “I think he’s the most articulate of all the candidates we have. He speaks plainly but very thoughtfully. Politics is about communicating and being able to tell a story well. And I think he does it better than anyone I’ve seen since Barack Obama.”

“I endorsed Barack Obama early, having been moved by both his intelligence and his political capability,” Beyer said in a prepared statement. “I am similarly inspired by Mayor Pete. With him, I feel the promise of a new generation, and I see a way out of the darkness.

“In making this choice, I think of the qualities missing from the current occupant of the Oval Office. They are qualities that Pete Buttigieg exudes: decency, a grounding in history, optimism, a sophisticated grasp of the world and of the dangers of bigotry, and a generosity of spirit.

The Democratic field is full of people with these traits, but Pete possesses them to an uncommon degree, and, just as importantly, has a gift for communicating them.”


Washington Post: Buttigieg gets first endorsement from member of Congress, Rep. Don Beyer of Va.

By Laura Vozzella

Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg won his first endorsement from a member of Congress Wednesday, as Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) announced that he was backing the young Indiana politician known as “Mayor Pete.”

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