2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Michael Bennet to Ring in 2020 With Seven-Day New Hampshire Tour on December 31, 2019 and January 1-5, 2020 *Updated

Michael Bennet to Ring in 2020 With Seven-Day New Hampshire Tour on December 31, 2019 and January 1-5, 2020 *Updated

MANCHESTER, NH — Michael Bennet will celebrate New Year’s Eve and ring in 2020 with a seven-day tour of New Hampshire from December 30, 2019 to January 5, 2020, including holding the very first New Hampshire meet and greet of 2020 at 12:01 AM on January 1st.

Bennet will continue to make good on his commitment to hold 50 town halls in New Hampshire during the final 10 weeks before the First in the Nation primary. With 21 events completed this month since the announcement, Bennet is now tied for #1 among Democrats in New Hampshire Public Radio’s tracker.

Tuesday, December 31

NEW EVENT: Downtown Concord Tour with State Rep. David Luneau
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Kicking off at Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main Street, Concord, NH

Wednesday, January 1

First “First in the Nation” House Party
Time: 12:01 AM
Location: Home of Will Kanteres, 1336 Beech Street, Manchester, NH

Hopkinton First Day Hike
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Hopkinton Recreation Department, 41 Houston Drive, Hopkinton, NH

NEW EVENT: New Year’s Day Brunch
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Bennet for America Nashua Office, 33 Main Street, Suite 500, Nashua, NH

Thursday, January 2

Details to be announced

Friday, January 3

Somersworth Meet and Greet
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Teatotaller Cafe, 69 High Street, Somersworth, NH

NEW EVENT: Exeter House Party
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Home of Mark Paige, 13 Tamarind Lane, Exeter, NH

Newmarket Meet and Greet
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Newmarket Democrats Committee Office, 44 Exeter Road, Newmarket, NH

Saturday, January 4

NEW EVENT: Dover House Party
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Home of Carla and Brad Danielson, 26 Fieldstone Drive, Dover, NH

Concord House Party
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Home of Mary and David Ruedig, 17 Merrimack Street, Concord, NH

Sunday, January 5

Amherst Brunch Meet and Greet
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 3 High Meadow Lane, Amherst, NH

College Convention 2020
Speaking Time: 7:30 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH

 

Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University, Endorses Michael Bennet for President

Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University, Endorses Michael Bennet for President

The opinions expressed are neither the opinions of Southern New Hampshire University or its Trustees nor endorsed by Southern New Hampshire University.

MANCHESTER, NH — Paul LeBlanc, president of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), and his wife, attorney and professor Patricia Findlen, today endorsed Michael Bennet for president of the United States. LeBlanc has led SNHU since 2003, growing the student body to over 135,000 learners and making it the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of online higher education.

“I have spoken about education with numerous political leaders and none have possessed Michael’s knowledge, thoughtfulness, and nuanced understanding of the issues,” said LeBlanc. “At a time of alarming wealth inequity and diminished opportunity for working people, Pat and I feel we need an education president. Someone who understands that education is still the single most powerful tool of social mobility and that it has sadly become part of the problem, not part of the solution, for far too many people.

“We also want someone who has been elected statewide in a purple state, who still thinks about finding the common ground that binds us as Americans. Michael is as comfortable talking to a Colorado rancher or miner as he is talking to an academic or community organizer. He has a natural feel for people and reminds us of their essential goodness. We admire his idealism, even as he brings a roll-up-the-sleeves practicality in getting to work and making things better.

“On the most fundamental level, he’s a good man. I want to trust and admire the person leading the country. Yes, that’s a question of integrity and morality, and it’s also a question of respect for who the person is as a spouse, as a parent, as a neighbor. Trusted friends in Colorado told us years ago that we should pay attention to their senator. We have and what we discovered about Michael has earned our support.”

Bennet recently completed a five-day tour of New Hampshire, including stops in Salem, Bedford, Concord, Andover, Gorham, Lancaster, North Conway, West Ossipee, Dover, and Manchester. He has announced plans to host 50 town halls in the Granite State between now and the first in the nation primary, and returns on Friday for eight more town halls.

“Paul is one of the premier educational innovators in the country, and it’s an honor to stand with him and Pat in the fight to restore opportunity for every American child,” said Bennet. “Together, I look forward to sharing my plan to bring integrity back to the White House with every primary voter in the Granite State.”

Michael Bennet Announces $700,000 Fundraising Push to Compete in New Hampshire

Bennet for America Announces $700,000 Fundraising Push to Compete in New Hampshire, Including New Ad Series Introducing Michael Bennet to Voters

DENVER — Bennet for America today announced that it needs to raise $700,000 by January 16th to have the resources to compete in New Hampshire, including for the launch of a new ad series introducing Michael Bennet to Granite Staters. The campaign shared a preview of the first ad — titled “Opposite of Trump” — which it intends to air on television and through digital ads when it hits the new goal.

Bennet recently announced his commitment to hold 50 town halls in the Granite State in the final 10 weeks before the primary, and the campaign has doubled down there, with more staff, office space, and endorsements.

In a memo to top supporters, Campaign Manager Daniel Barash outlined the urgency and opportunity of the new effort dubbed the New Hampshire Investment Strategy: “As other candidates have left the race or stumbled in the last few weeks, Michael has doubled down and gained momentum. Now is our moment. We have planted our flag in New Hampshire, but we need your help right now to have the resources to compete there.”

The campaign outlined how fluid and open the presidential race remains, noting that just 33% of New Hampshire Democratic voters have made up their minds, and that because of strategic and judicious budgeting, Bennet has been able to outlast other candidates and make it to the “starting line” of the 2020 contest.

However, Barash notes, “without a significant uptick in fundraising, we will not have the resources to fully capitalize on the groundwork that has been laid to compete.” The $700,000 New Hampshire Investment Strategy will go toward promotion of the 50 town halls push, as well funds for TV and digital advertising, more field staff, and a direct mail program. The new ad series announced by the campaign would aim to introduce Bennet to the many voters who are just now tuning in to the race and looking for a candidate who can beat Trump and build a stronger future for the next generation.

“To beat Donald Trump, we need the opposite of Donald Trump. That’s what I am,” says Bennet in the new ad. “Every decision I make is for the kids I served as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. … So if you want a president who’s focused on the next generation, and not just the next tweet, then give me a look.”

Read a transcript of the ad below.

To beat Donald Trump, we need the opposite of Donald Trump. That’s what I am.

“Oh, no, I’ve heard that voice before!”

Trump has divided our country like no other president. I’ll unite the country, and we’ll fix it together.

Trump’s the first president to take health care away from millions. I have a plan to cover everyone in three years and lower costs, without bankrupting the system.

Trump is a pathological liar. I’ll tell you the truth, even when it’s hard.

Trump doesn’t care about your kids or mine. Every decision I make is for the kids I served as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. I’ll wake up every morning thinking about you and your family, and how to make your lives better.

So if you want a president who’s focused on the next generation, and not just the next tweet, then give me a look. I’m Michael Bennet, and I’m running for president.

Michael Bennet to Continue 50 Town Hall Tour of New Hampshire on December 20-21, 2019

Michael Bennet to Continue 50 Town Hall Tour of New Hampshire on Friday and Saturday

MANCHESTER — Michael Bennet will return to New Hampshire on Friday, December 20 through Saturday, December 21 to continue his 50 town hall tour of the Granite State. Bennet, who has pledged to answer every last question at each event, will meet primary voters in Jaffrey, Peterborough, Keene, Grantham, Enfield, Sunapee, Franklin, and Bedford.

Friday, December 20

Meet and Greet with Jaffrey Seniors
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Jaffrey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 20 Plantation Drive, Jaffrey, NH

Open Democracy Town Hall
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Hilltop Country Club, 49 High Street, Peterborough, NH

Keene Meet and Greet
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Toadstool Bookshop, 12 Emerald Street, Keene, NH

Grantham Meet and Greet
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Farmer’s Table Cafe, 249 Route 10 North, Grantham, NH

Saturday, December 21

Enfield House Party
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Home of Barb Jones, 14 Johnston Drive, Enfield, NH

Sunapee Town Hall
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Abbott Library, 11 Soonipi Circle, Sunapee, NH

Franklin House Party
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Home of Suzi White, 62 Elm Avenue, Franklin, NH

Bedford House Party
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Home of Kamee Verdrager, 44 Olde English Road, Bedford, NH

Michael Bennet Returns to Iowa on December 22-23, 2019

Michael Bennet Returns to Iowa on December 22-23, 2019

DEC22
Indianola Meet and Greet!
Sun 2:30 PM · by Michael Bennet

West Hill Brewing Company
Indianola, IA

DEC22
Boone Meet and Greet!
Sun 5 PM · by Boone County Democrats of Iowa

1215 S Story St, Boone, IA 50036-5020, United States

DEC23
Johnston Meet and Greet!
Mon 9 AM · by Michael Bennet

8385 Birchwood Ct, Johnston, IA 50131-3046, United States

DEC23
Meet Michael in Johnston!
Mon 9 AM · 10 guests

Cozy Cafe Johnston
Johnston, IA

Michael Bennet Statement on Articles of Impeachment

Michael Bennet Statement on Articles of Impeachment

MANCHESTER, NH — Michael Bennet released the following statement after House Democrats announced articles of impeachment for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress:

“We have to follow due process and the rule of law, but if the evidence of the President’s wrongdoing and abuse of power continues to remain consistent with what we’ve seen, it’s likely I will vote to impeach. The President has made it very difficult for Congress to do the oversight that the Constitution requires and that the American people demand. He’s obstructed and stonewalled at every step of the way, and today’s announcement reflects that. This is exactly what the founders were worried about. We don’t elect kings in this country, and nobody is above the law.”

No Kid Hungry Founder Billy Shore to Endorse Michael Bennet on Sunday, December 8, 2019 in New Hampshire

No Kid Hungry Founder Billy Shore to Endorse Michael Bennet on Sunday in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER — Billy Shore, founder of leading anti-poverty and hunger relief organization Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, will endorse Michael Bennet on Sunday, December 8, at a town hall in Manchester. Bennet will also unveil his comprehensive anti-poverty agenda at the event.

In addition to being a nationally renowned leader on ending poverty, Shore was a senior aide to former Senator Gary Hart during his insurgent victory in the Granite State during the 1984 Democratic presidential primary.

Sunday, December 8

Town Hall with Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry Founder Billy Shore
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 669 Union Street, Manchester, NH

Michael Bennet’s 50 Town Hall Tour of New Hampshire on December 7-10, 2019 *Updated

Michael Bennet’s 50 Town Hall Tour of New Hampshire on December 7-10, 2019 *Updated

MANCHESTER, NH — On the heels of announcing his plan to hold 50 town halls in New Hampshire during the final 10 weeks before the First in the Nation primary, Michael Bennet spent the first of a five-day tour in New Hampshire yesterday. Bennet held town halls in Salem and Andover, as well as roundtable discussions with small business owners in Bedford and domestic violence advocates in Concord. He connected with Granite Staters to answer every last question and show why he’s the best candidate to beat Donald Trump.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, December 7

Coos County Meet and Greet
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Granite Grind, 70 Main Street, Lancaster, NH

Gorham Meet and Greet
Time: 11:30 AM
NEW LOCATION: Gorham Town Hall, 20 Park Street, Gorham, NH

Concord Meet and Greet
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Home of Gerri and Ron King, 10 Pine Street, Concord, NH

Sunday, December 8

Manchester Town Hall with Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry Founder Bill Shore
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 669 Union Street, Manchester, NH

Manchester House Party
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Home of Scott and Calley Milne, 273 Ray Street, Manchester, NH

Dover House Party
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Home of Nancy Vawter, 7 Briarwood Lane, Dover NH

Monday, December 9

High School Student Conversation
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Kennett High School, 409 Eagle’s Way, North Conway, NH

Ossipee Meet and Greet
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Hobbs Tavern, 2415 White Mountain Highway, West Ossipee, NH

Tuesday, December 10

Roundtable with Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: SNHU Hospitality Center, Salon A/B, 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH

NEW EVENT: Tour of Nashua Housing Authority Units & Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 2 Quincy Street, Nashua, NH

New Hampshire Representative Marjorie Smith Endorses Michael Bennet for President

New Hampshire Representative Marjorie Smith Endorses Michael Bennet for President

MANCHESTER, NH — New Hampshire State Rep. Marjorie Smith today endorsed Michael Bennet for President of the United States. Smith has represented the Strafford 6 district since 2012; previously, she represented the district from 1996 to 2010. Smith chairs the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee.

“Michael Bennet first caught my attention when I learned that he left a powerful position in the private sector to enter public service, eventually heading up the Denver Public Schools because he believes that a democracy depends upon every child having access to the best possible public education,” Smith said.

“Elected from a purple state, he has demonstrated that he appeals to a diverse group of voters. And he listens. He is going from community to community, talking about his vision to build opportunity for all, and listening to citizens talk about what's on their minds. He refuses to use the catchphrases of the day.

“If you want glitz, big money, and knee jerk responses, Bennet is not your man. I support Senator Bennet because I believe he is governed by a moral compass that can appeal to a majority of voters, and has demonstrated that he has the experience and the integrity to lead this nation.”

Smith has written forcefully about the importance of preserving the New Hampshire primary, including its tradition of living room conversations where candidates share their vision and answer questions before Granite Staters cast their ballots. She hosted a house party for Bennet in November.

Bennet returns to New Hampshire on Friday for a five-day tour of the state, which will include stops in Salem, Bedford, Concord, Andover, Lancaster, Conway, and other towns across the Granite State.

Michael Bennet Calls on MLB Commissioner to Save Minor League Baseball in Colorado, Iowa, and Nationwide

Michael Bennet Calls on MLB Commissioner to Save Minor League Baseball in Colorado, Iowa, and Nationwide

DAVENPORT, IA — Michael Bennet this week sent a letter to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, urging the league to reconsider its proposal to eliminate 42 minor league baseball teams across the country. The proposal, which would affect two teams in Colorado and three in Iowa, would destroy beloved community institutions that serve as an affordable entertainment option for families and an important economic engine in small cities.

Bennet visited eastern Iowa this week, hosting meet and greets with caucusgoers in Muscatine, Clinton, and the Quad Cities. Both Clinton and the Quad Cities stand to lose their minor league teams under this proposal.

Read the full letter here and below:

December 2, 2019

Robert D. Manfred Jr.
Commissioner of Baseball
Major League Baseball
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10167

Dear Commissioner Manfred:

I am writing to join several members of Congress, community leaders, and baseball fans around the country to strongly oppose a proposal that would eliminate more than forty minor league teams, many in rural communities and small cities. Coloradans have a strong bond with the Colorado Rockies and its minor league affiliates—at least two of which would be eliminated under this proposal. This is true of Americans everywhere, including in states like Iowa, where three of the five minor league teams would be eliminated.

For most Americans, a minor league park is where they get their first glimpse of professional players and their first taste of the thrill of watching America’s pastime.

Minor league teams give families an affordable, convenient way to enjoy the game they love—all while serving as a vital farm system for the next generation of elite professional talent. Watching baseball in person builds lasting loyalty in fans unlike watching on television ever could. Many of the cities targeted for contraction have invested millions of taxpayer dollars in their teams, at the behest of MLB, to build quality facilities for developing players. These teams have given a lot to their communities, and we should think seriously about the costs of giving up on their players and fans alike. Americans will see through attempts to frame the destruction of beloved local institutions under the guise of reform.

I am concerned that MLB’s decision to cut the number of guaranteed Player Development Contracts will erode the sport’s popularity and cultural significance in communities across the country. It is as unfair as it is unwise and sure to lead to litigation. I respectfully request that you consider those implications and work to improve the relationship with minor league teams rather than deny clubs like the Grand Junction Rockies and Quad Cities River Bandits their chance to have affiliated professional baseball.

Of course, every business owner has to consider long-term sustainability. But club owners aren’t the ones struggling in this economy; working families in towns like Grand Junction and the Quad Cities are.

Baseball is our national pastime because generations of Americans have been able to enjoy it. Without that accessibility, the sport—and the communities who love it—will lose something essential. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Michael Bennet