Barack-backed.
On Monday morning, former President Barack Obama rolled out his “first wave of 2020 endorsements” that announced support for candidates in 17 states, including Pennsylvania.
“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic, and highly qualified Democrats,” Obama said in the endorsement release. “Together, these candidates will help us redeem our country’s promise by sticking up for working class people, restoring fairness and opportunity to our system, and fighting for the good of all Americans — not just those at the top. They make me optimistic not just about our party’s chances in November, but about our country’s future long after that. So if you’re in one of their districts or states, make sure you vote for them this fall. And if you can, vote early — by mail or in person.”
Obama formally endorsed 21 candidates from Pennsylvania in the initial rollout, which is tied for the second most endorsements for a specific state, tying North Carolina and only trailing Texas, where the former President endorsed 27 candidates.
I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic, and highly qualified Democrats. If you’re in one of their districts or states, make sure you vote for them this fall. And if you can, vote early—by mail or in person. https://t.co/PSm3Rf3wkF pic.twitter.com/7RXrJriBz8
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 3, 2020
Obama is backing three statewide hopefuls, four candidates for the U.S. House, nine candidates for the state House, and five candidates for the state Senate.
The statewide endorsements included Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Treasurer Joe Torsella, and Nina Ahmad for Auditor General. Shapiro is facing Heather Heidelbaugh in his reelection bid, Torsella is being challenged by Stacy Garrity for his reelection bid, and Ahmad is going up against Tim DeFoor for Auditor General.
For Congress, Obama endorsed two incumbents and two challengers. Obama endorsed Reps. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) for their reelection bids, while also announcing support for Christina Finello in her bid to unseat Rep. Brain Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) in PA1, and Eugene DePasquale’s challenge to Rep. Scott Perry (R-York).
Obama endorsed Marlene Katz (HD-29), Lissa Geiger Shulman (HD-30), Brittney Rodas (HD-105), Jonathan Kassa (HD-151), Nancy Guenst (HD-152), Anton Andrew (HD-160), Deb Ciamacca (HD-168), Claudette Williams (HD-176), and Ann Marie Mitchell (HD-178). All nine candidates for the state House that Obama endorsed are challengers for the seat.
For the state Senate, Obama endorsed John Kane (SD-9), Janet Diaz (SD-13), George Scott (SD-15), Sen. Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny) (SD-37), and Julie Slomski (SD-49). Of the five candidates for the state Senate that he is supporting in his first wave of endorsements, Iovino is the lone incumbent, while the other four are challenging GOP incumbents.
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11 Responses
The Obama effect is getting old in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania will soon wake up and find out that the Democrats have destroyed our state’s economy due to COVID-19 and vote them out of office. Republicans will have a far greater year than they did in 2010.
Obama just said ” Joe could f—k up anything” . Haaaaaaaaaa , even Barry knows Joe’s a clown.
Who’s Obama ?
In SEPA, Nina Ahmad the Auditor General candidate is seen as a rich, opportunistic office chaser who finally won a primary for an office she is wholly unqualified to occupy.
She’s not well known or widely respected. More than a few would prefer she not win by virtue of the number of bridges she’s burned to get where she has thus far…
The Republicans, while having three highly qualified candidates in the row offices; only have one clear shot in the Auditor General race, the only open seat.
Tim DeFoor,that candidate… is the Republicans best opportunity to win in November.
The Democrats have a lesser candidate and the Republicans dont seem to see the wide open window…
These endorsements are all chucks. That Finello dude is going to get pooped on by my boy Fitzpatrick
I agree whole heartereredly
Except the “dude” is named Christina…
Obama weighing in with the Fitzpatrick race is a major boost for Finello! And Cartwright!
This guy ^ is lying
Obama endorsing Finello vs Fitzpatrick in suburban Bucks County seals a Fitzpatrick defeat! And a Finello victory! Seals the victory for Cartwright too!
This guy ^ is an imposter