2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Amy For America To Hold Early Vote Events Throughout Minnesota on Friday, January 17, 2020

Amy For America To Hold Early Vote Events Throughout Minnesota
As Minnesotans Cast Nation’s First Votes of 2020 Election, Campaign to Hold GOTV Early Voting Events Statewide on January 17

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Friday, January 17, the first day of early voting in Minnesota, supporters and endorsers of Senator Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign will attend events across the state to help get out the early vote as Minnesotans cast their vote in the 2020 Democratic Primary Election. These events will be held in cities and towns throughout Minnesota and the day will conclude with a rally on Friday evening.

Surrogates for events will include Governor Tim Walz, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Mankato Mayor Najwa Massad, Minnesota State Sen. Foung Hawj, Minnesota State Sen. Ann Rest, Majority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives Ryan Winkler, Minnesota State Rep. Ben Lien, Minnesota State Rep. Jack Considine Jr., Minnesota State Rep. Jeff Brand, Minnesota State Rep. Connie Bernardy, Minnesota State Rep. Laurie Pryor, Minnesota State Rep. Cheryl Youakim, Minnesota State Rep. John Persell, Duluth Councilor At Large Arik Forsman, Moorhead City Council Member Shelly Carlson, and Democratic candidate for MN-01 Dan Feehan.

Martin Zellar to Perform at Klobuchar Early Vote Rally at Historic First Avenue
Zellar Joins Sen. Klobuchar, Gov. Walz to Kick Off Minnesota Early Voting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Friday, January 17, the first day of early voting in Minnesota, supporters and endorsers of Senator Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign will attend events across the state to help get out the early vote as Minnesotans cast their vote in the 2020 Democratic Primary Election. These events will be held in cities and towns throughout Minnesota, concluding with a rally on Friday evening in Minneapolis.

The rally will be held at the historic First Avenue, the venue that launched Prince’s career. Along with Senator Klobuchar; Governor Tim Walz will be in attendance to celebrate the casting of the first ballots of the 2020 Democratic primary. Zellar and the band headlined a fundraiser for Senator Klobuchar in 2006 during her first Senate campaign.

Amy For America To Hold Early Vote Events With Surrogates Throughout Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz, Senator Tina Smith, Congresswoman Angie Craig, and 2018 US Olympic Gold Medal Curling Coach Phill Drobnick to Headline Rally at First Avenue

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tomorrow, Friday, January 17, the first day of early voting in Minnesota, supporters and endorsers of Senator Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign will attend events across the state to help get out the early vote as Minnesotans cast their vote in the 2020 Democratic Primary Election.

These events will be held in cities and towns throughout Minnesota and the day will conclude with a rally on Friday evening at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Friday, January 17, 2020

WHO: Councilmember Arik Forsman and Amy For America
WHAT: St.Louis County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: St. Louis County Courthouse, 100 N 5th Ave W. #214, Duluth, MN 55802-1293

WHO: Minnesota State Rep. Ben Lien, Council Member Shelly Carlson, and Amy For America
WHAT: Clay County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: Clay County Courthouse, 807 N 11th St Moorhead, MN 56560

WHO: Mayor Najwa Massad, Minnesota State Rep. Jack Considine Jr, Minnesota State Rep. Jeff Brand, and Democratic candidate for MN-01 Dan Feehan.
WHAT: Blue Earth County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: Blue Earth County Historic Courthouse 204 S 5th St Mankato, MN 56001

WHO: Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Amy For America
WHAT: Hennepin County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: 300 South 6th St. MC 012, Minneapolis, MN 55487-0012

WHO: Minnesota State Rep. Connie Bernardy, Minnesota State Senator Jason Isaacson, Minnesota State Sen. Foung Hawj, Mayor Melvin Carter, and Amy For America
WHAT: Ramsey County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: Ramsey County Elections, 90 W Plato Blvd Ste 160, St. Paul, MN 55107

WHO: Minnesota State Rep. Mohamud Noor, Minnesota State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, and Amy For America
WHAT: Stearns County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. CT
WHERE: Stearns County Service Center 705 Courthouse Square # 148, St Cloud, MN 56303

WHO: Majority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives Ryan Winkler, Minnesota State Rep. Laurie Pryor, Minnesota State Sen. Ann Rest, Minnesota State Rep. Patty Acomb, and Amy For America
WHAT: Western Suburbs Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: Minnetonka City Hall, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345

WHO: Minnesota State Rep. John Persell and Amy For America
WHAT: Beltrami County Early Voting Event
WHEN: January 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT
WHERE: 701 Minnesota Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN 56601

WHO: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Governor Tim Walz, Senator Tina Smith, Congresswoman Angie Craig, 2018 US Olympic Gold Medal Curling Coach Phill Drobnick, and Amy For America
WHAT: Minnesota Early Voting Rally
WHEN: January 17, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. CT
WHERE: First Avenue, 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Note: Events subject to change based on U.S. Senate schedule.

 

Tom Steyer Qualifies for Democratic National Committee Debate in January

Tom Steyer Qualifies for Debate and Cements Place as Top-Tier Candidate
Steyer surges to second place in South Carolina and third in Nevada

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 9, 2020) — Today, presidential candidate Tom Steyer cemented himself into the top tier of candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, officially qualifying for the Democratic National Committee debate in January.

Steyer secured qualification following polling showing Tom at 15% and 12% in South Carolina and Nevada, respectively. He is in second place in South Carolina and third place in Nevada. Last week, Steyer surpassed the DNC’s 225,000 unique donor threshold requirement for debate qualification.

“Voters are tired of business as usual and are responding to Tom’s fight to create real economic prosperity, tackle the climate crisis, and get Washington working for American families, not big corporations,” Campaign Manager Heather Hargreaves said. “We experience this momentum on the ground every day in the early states, and look forward to connecting with more Americans and growing this campaign in the weeks and months ahead. We are built to win, and have the candidate best prepared to take Donald Trump on over the economy and expose him.”

Conducted by Fox News between January 5 and 8, the most recent polls show Steyer surging to second place in South Carolina and tied for third place in Nevada. These results mark a decisive continuation of upward momentum for Steyer, following the most recent Morning Consult early state tracker which showed Steyer polling at 10%.

Steyer is the sixth candidate to qualify for the December debate. The DNC January debate will take place on January 14th in Des Moines, Iowa.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Endorses Joe Biden for President

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Endorses Joe Biden for President
Garcetti to join Biden for President as National Campaign Co-Chair

Today, Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States and largest in California, released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“Joe Biden is a close personal friend who has been an incredible partner in delivering progress for L.A. He came to L.A. and stood shoulder to shoulder with me to make us the first big city to enact a $15 minimum wage, and he brought leaders from all over the world to our city to forge the most sweeping climate agreement prior to the Paris accords. Democrats are blessed to have such an extraordinary field of candidates, but I will never forget what Joe Biden has done for my city and our nation. We need Joe Biden to bring our nation and world together during these most divided and dangerous times. I know that from day one, he will heal our nation, repair our relationships abroad and get things done — and will be a true partner in solving the national homelessness crisis."

Garcetti was first elected as Mayor in 2013 and was reelected by a record margin in 2017. He previously served on the Los Angeles City Council since 2001, spending 2006 to 2012 as City Council President. Since taking office Garcetti has delivered real results for Angelenos, including raising the minimum wage to $15, guaranteeing one year of free community college to Los Angeles Unified School District graduates (on which he worked with Dr. Jill Biden), creating 35,000 new green jobs and expanding after-school programs. He also led the passage of Measure M, at $120 billion, the nation's largest local infrastructure measure.

Garcetti will serve as a National Campaign Co-Chair for Biden for President.

Today’s endorsement builds on the wide support for Joe Biden in California, including Senator Dianne Feinstein, Los Angeles County Supervisor and former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman Tony Cárdenas, Congressman Ami Bera, Congressman John Garamendi, Congressman Lou Correa, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and more than 50 other previously announced endorsers.

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,000 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security officials.

Screenwriter and Director James Gunn Endorses Andrew Yang for President

SCREENWRITER AND DIRECTOR JAMES GUNN ENDORSES ANDREW YANG FOR PRESIDENT

NEW YORK — Screenwriter and director James Gunn announced today that he is endorsing Andrew Yang for president. Gunn is best known for films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Dawn of the Dead, and Super. 

"Andrew Yang is willing to discuss the tough issues our country is facing right now, instead of running from them, and come up with positive, unique, and excitingly revolutionary new ways to tackle the future,” said Gunn. “In a time when so many politicians are out to serve only themselves or whatever small group makes up their base, I believe Andrew can help us make a better America for all Americans. Hope and Ingenuity 2020!" 

Gunn’s endorsement comes as Andrew Yang continues to campaign New Hampshire today, hosting town halls and having conversations with voters to share his vision for rewriting the rules of the 21st century economy so it works for everyone. It also follows the campaign’s $16.5 million fundraising haul in the final quarter of 2019, showing the lasting power and mounting momentum of his candidacy. 

Actors Vivica A. Fox and Sean Patrick Thomas Endorse Joe Biden

Actors Vivica A. Fox and Sean Patrick Thomas Endorse Joe Biden
Today, Biden for President is announcing new endorsements from actors Vivica A. Fox and Sean Patrick Thomas.

Vivica A. Fox is an award-winning actress, producer, and television show host who has produced a number of films and starred in “Independence Day”' and “So Wrong It's Right” films for Lifetime. Fox is a native of Indiana who was born in South Bend.

Actor Sean Patrick Thomas, who was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, is an actor known for his roles in the “Barbershop” series, “Save the Last Dance,” and “Cruel Intentions.” Sean Patrick Thomas will also participate in the “South Carolina Soul of the Nation” bus tour starting next week where Biden’s top surrogates will travel to 15 counties over four-days in the Palmetto State.

Both actors released the following statements endorsing Biden.

Vivica A. Fox:

“I’m supporting Vice President Joe Biden for President as I believe he has the respect, experience, and the expertise to get our country back on track for a positive future.”

Sean Patrick Thomas:

“I was raised in Delaware. I support Joe Biden because I grew up with Joe and I know who the man is. He’s a man that, to paraphrase Kipling, can walk with kings — yet still have the common touch. Like President Obama, whether or not you agree with him on any particular issue, his fundamental decency can never be questioned. We need that now more than ever in the Oval Office.”

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,000 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

New Hampshire State Senator Martha Fuller Clark Endorses Joe Biden for President

New Hampshire State Senator Martha Fuller Clark Endorses Vice President Joe Biden

NH State Senator, who originally planned to stay neutral, endorses VP Biden after “finding it impossible to stay on the sidelines,” calls Biden “without question the most prepared to go to work on day one”

Manchester, New Hampshire — Today, State Senator Martha Fuller Clark announced her endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden in the following statement:

“As vice chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, my plan was to stay neutral in the New Hampshire primary but, as the election gets closer, I am finding it impossible to stay on the sidelines in this most critical of elections. I am hopeful that my endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden will encourage others to step forward in support of his candidacy as well.

“I have known and worked with Joe Biden for nearly 30 years. I trust him and admire him for his leadership and his integrity. I believe he is the best candidate to beat Donald Trump and bring the country together in addressing the pressing issues, both foreign and domestic, facing our nation. Joe’s unparalleled experience in foreign and international affairs as well as his many years as an outstanding US Senator means that he is without question the most prepared to go to work on day one on behalf of our country and all of its citizens.

“I’m proud to endorse Joe Biden and look forward to calling him our next President of the United States. "

Senator Fuller Clark has served in the New Hampshire Legislature for nearly three decades. She has represented the Seacoast in the New Hampshire Legislature since 1990 — first as a State Representative and later as a State Senator. As she serves her fifth term in the State Senate, Fuller Clark, a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, remains an outspoken champion of protecting the environment and other critical issues important to Granite Staters. In 2016, Senator Fuller Clark endorsed Senator Sanders.

Fuller Clark joins a wide and diverse coalition of Granite State leaders who have previously announced their support for Vice President Biden, including former Governor John Lynch, New Hampshire Speaker of the House Steve Shurtleff; former NH State Senate Majority Whip Deb Reynolds and former State Senator Bette Lasky; NH State Senator Lou D’Allesandro and New Hampshire’s youngest state lawmaker, State Representative Denny Ruprecht; former Ambassadors Terry Shumaker and Dick Swett and former NH Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick; former Nigerian refugee, State Representative Richard Komi and substance misuse treatment advocate Olivia Dupell; the first openly LGBT Mayor Dana Hilliard and progressive Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter; former NHDP Chairs Ned Helms, Michael King, and Chris Spirou, and Dean of the NH House Rep. Laura Pantelakos.

New Hampshire State Representative Tim Horrigan Endorses Cory Booker for President

NH State Representative Tim Horrigan Endorses Cory Booker for President
Three Community Leaders Also Announce Their Support for Booker

In the Last Six Weeks, Booker Has Seen a Surge in Endorsements from NH Electeds, Former Electeds, Community Leaders, and Activists

Manchester, NH — New Hampshire State Representative Tim Horrigan (Durham) and several community leaders today endorsed Cory Booker for president, citing his ability to excite a diverse coalition of voters needed to win in November.

The new endorsements come on the heels of former New Hampshire State Senator Katie Wheeler (Durham) announcing her support for Booker. Booker is among the leaders for earning endorsements from New Hampshire elected officials, former elected officials, community leaders and activists.

“I’m endorsing Cory Booker because he understands what it takes to prevent gun violence in our country. His track record is unmatched,” said State Rep. Tim Horrigan. “Cory knows how to overcome the biggest challenges and get the job done, and he is uniquely capable of exciting a broad coalition of voters we need to beat Donald Trump and heal our country.”

Horrigan is serving his sixth term and represents Strafford County District 6 (Durham and Madbury). In the legislature, he has focused on preventing gun violence, making health care more accessible and increasing access to the ballot box for Granite Staters. Booker was the first candidate to propose gun licensing -- which many 2020 presidential candidates now support -- and has vowed to pursue a new and expanded Voting Rights Act that would end systematic attempts to limit access to the ballot box and strip citizens of their constitutionally-guaranteed right to vote.

Also endorsing Booker today are:

Katie Desrochers, a six-term Manchester School Board member
“I have followed the path of Cory Booker’s journey since he was Mayor of Newark. Today, I am proud to announce that I am officially endorsing him for President of the United States. Cory’s character and commitment to service is exactly what we need. Cory knows firsthand the impact of a quality public education on a child's life. That's why he'll give our teachers a much-needed raise and fight as president for every child, regardless of zip code."

Anthony Poore, the first African-American executive director of New Hampshire Humanities, a Concord-based non-profit organization. Last week, while campaigning in New Hampshire, Booker joined an intimate gathering of African-American leaders in Manchester hosted by Poore, who tweeted following the event: “I was honored to host Sen. Cory Booker this evening. He didn't rush...He listened and took the time to connect with folks in authentic ways. He earned my respect and my vote. Thank you sir.”

Dierdre Reynolds, a prominent Nashua gun violence prevention activist
“Cory is more committed to ending the epidemic of gun violence than any other candidate. I enthusiastically endorse him because he will take action to protect our children.”

In addition to these new endorsers, Booker has earned the backing of three state senators, 20 additional state representatives, the state’s longest-serving mayor, and dozens of key activists across New Hampshire.

Long Beach, California Mayor Robert Garcia Endorses Joe Biden for President

Long Beach, California Mayor Robert Garcia Endorses Joe Biden for President

Today, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“I’m honored to endorse Joe Biden for President. As the Mayor of a growing, vibrant and diverse city, Donald Trump’s reckless attacks on immigrants, health care, and the LGBTQ community are deeply personal. Joe is a candidate that has both the experience and the ability to build a broad-based coalition needed to beat Donald Trump -- not just here in California, but across the country. We’ve seen Joe bring people together time and time again to deliver results for working families, including right here in California.”

Garcia was elected as Mayor of Long Beach in 2014 and prior to that, served on the Long Beach City Council since 2009. Long Beach is California’s seventh largest city. He is the youngest and first Latino Mayor in Long Beach’s history. Garcia previously served as California Co-Chair for Senator Kamala Harris’ campaign for the Democratic nomination.

Today’s endorsement builds on the wide support for Joe Biden in California, including Senator Dianne Feinstein, Los Angeles County Supervisor and former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman Tony Cárdenas, Congressman Ami Bera, Congressman John Garamendi, Congressman Lou Correa, and more than 50 other previously announced endorsers.

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,000 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security officials.

Iowa State Senator Rich Taylor Endorses Amy Klobuchar for President

Iowa State Senator Rich Taylor Endorses Amy Klobuchar for President
Senator Klobuchar Now Has the Support of More Sitting Iowa Legislators Than Any Other Candidate

DES MOINES, IA — Iowa State Senator Rich Taylor today endorsed U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar for President, citing her knowledge of the agriculture industry and strong support for labor in his decision. With Taylor’s endorsement, Klobuchar now has the support of more current Iowa legislators than any other candidate in the field.

“Amy Klobuchar has a deep understanding of agriculture and labor, two issues critical in Iowa," said Iowa State Senator and Assistant Democratic Leader Rich Taylor. "As a Senator from the heartland and a Senior Member of the Agriculture Committee, Amy knows the importance of supporting our farmers. As the daughter of a union teacher and granddaughter of an iron ore miner, Amy has seen firsthand how labor helps working families and knows that we must protect these hard-fought rights. I am proud to endorse Amy's candidacy for president, and excited to be part of the broad coalition of Iowa legislators supporting her."

Taylor is currently serving his second term in the Iowa Senate representing Henry and Lee Counties, in addition to parts of Washington and Jefferson Counties. He is the ranking Democrat on the Iowa Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee. Taylor also serves on the Agriculture, Judiciary, and Labor and Business Relations Committees.

A longtime labor and public safety activist, Taylor is a member of AFSCME Local 2989, for which he previously served as Treasurer.

Klobuchar, who has been widely praised for her legislative record in the U.S. Senate, has the support of more than 20 current and former members of the Iowa Legislature -- the most of any candidate. Each time she has led the ticket as a Senate candidate in Minnesota, Democrats have flipped the State House of Representatives from Republican to Democratic control.

Earlier this week, Amy For America announced it would hold a “Full Klobuchar Day of Action,” which will consist of grassroots organizing events in all of Iowa’s 99 counties in a single day -- this Saturday, January 11.

Other sitting legislators supporting Klobuchar include:
• Iowa Senator Kevin Kinney
• Iowa Senator Liz Mathis
• Iowa Senator Todd Taylor
• Iowa Representative Marti Anderson
• Iowa Representative Bruce Bearinger
• Iowa Representative Molly Donahue
• Iowa Representative Ruth Ann Gaines
• Iowa Representative Andy McKean
• Iowa Representative Sharon Steckman
• Iowa Representative Cindy Winckler

Amy Klobuchar Returns to Iowa on January 10-12, 2020

Amy Klobuchar Returns to Southeastern & Central Iowa Ahead of Democratic Debate
Senator Klobuchar To Host Events in Iowa January 10-12

DES MOINES, IA — After kicking off 2020 with growing crowds, her largest quarterly fundraising total to date and rising poll numbers, Senator Amy Klobuchar will return to Southeastern & Central Iowa January 10 - 11.

On Friday, January 10, Amy will host an event on her Plan to Protect Equal Rights and Provide Opportunity for People with Disabilities in Cedar Rapids at 10:30 AM. She will later host a town hall in Ottumwa at 2:30 PM.

On Saturday, January 11, Amy will host a town hall in Fort Dodge at 4:30 PM.

On Sunday, January 12, Amy will host a town hall in Perry at 3:00 PM.

Friday, January 10

Cedar Rapids Event on Senator Klobuchar's Plan to Protect Equal Rights and Provide Opportunities for People with Disabilities
-- Doors open at 10:00 AM, program starts at 10:30 AM
Ramada
525 33rd Ave SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Ottumwa Town Hall -- Doors open at 2:00 PM, program starts at 2:30 PM
Bridgeview Center -- Theatre Lobby
102 Church Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501 https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforamy/event/195557/

Saturday, January 11

Fort Dodge Town Hall -- Doors open at 4:00 PM, program starts at 4:30 PM
Iowa Central Community College
Bioscience and Health Building
1 Triton Cir
Fort Dodge, IA 50501 https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforamy/event/195561/

Sunday, January 12

Perry Event -- Doors open at 2:30 PM, program starts at 3:00 PM
Hotel Pattee
1112 Willis Ave
Perry, IA 50220