Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 10, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

Majority Floor Leader Mary Heath & Former NHDP Chair & Ambassador George Bruno Endorse Michael Bennet for President

MANCHESTER — Majority Floor Leader and State Representative Mary Heath and former New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair and Ambassador to Belize George Bruno today endorsed Michael Bennet for president of the United States. These endorsements come on the heels of Bennet completing his pledge to hold 50 New Hampshire town halls in the final 10 weeks before the primary, which was capped off with its largest rally yet yesterday featuring Bennet endorser James Carville.

Heath, a lifelong Manchester resident, is a retired educator and former Deputy Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Education.

“Michael Bennet stands for what I believe in, and he definitely has my vote,” said Heath.

Bruno, a New Hampshire native, served as Bill Clinton’s New Hampshire campaign co-chair.

“I’m endorsing Michael Bennet for president because he’s the best candidate to decisively beat Donald Trump,” said Bruno. “Senator Bennet has won tough elections in a swing state, and as our nominee, will appeal to a broad swath of voters. He's also a leader on the important issues most people care about: universal healthcare, immigration reform, a balanced budget, jobs, and education. Senator Bennet is the president we need and is picking up momentum in New Hampshire — and I look forward to voting for him on Tuesday and urge New Hampshire Democrats to do the same.”

Bennet’s New Hampshire endorsements range from Southern New Hampshire University President Paul LeBlanc, to Representatives Michael Cahill, Marjorie Smith, Bob Backus, David Luneau, Joyce Fulweiler, Gary Woods, and Sherry Dutzy, to former Concord School Board Chairs Claudia Damon and David Ruedig, to former Gov. Hassan Legal Counsel Lucy Hodder. 

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. 

Last month, Bennet unveiled The Real Deal agenda, his comprehensive vision to make lasting progress for families and workers across the country with a plan that is progressive, paid for, and popular among the American people. The Real Deal is a political and policy blueprint designed to guide our country’s priorities for the next 20 years.

Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 6, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

Former NH Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Tom Burack, State Rep. Gary Woods Endorse Michael Bennet for President

MANCHESTER — Former New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Tom Burack and New Hampshire Rep. Gary Woods today endorsed Michael Bennet for president of the United States. Burack, who grew up in Jackson and has resided for the past 20 years in Hopkinton, is an attorney and consultant with the firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, and served as Commissioner from 2006 to 2017. Rep. Woods, a former orthopedic surgeon, has represented the Merrimack 23 district since 2018. He serves on the Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs.

“As an Independent voter, I see an extraordinary opportunity to make my vote count in this primary by supporting Michael Bennet — a highly experienced and tested leader who is uniquely equipped to build the broad coalitions necessary to tackle the climate crisis,” said Burack. “Michael brings unmatched knowledge, credibility, and empathy to this crisis, he has a detailed and visionary clean energy plan that will create fantastic new economic and employment opportunities for our communities and nation, and he has the zeal to win the Presidency and take bold climate action from the White House.”

“Michael Bennet is the kind of person who understands the average individual but also understands the complexities of national issues,” said Woods. “He has the experience - both locally and nationally - to make tough decisions. That’s why I’m supporting Michael Bennet for president, and I encourage you to do the same.”
 
America’s Climate Change Plan was the first policy Bennet released upon entering the presidential primary race. His plan, which includes paying farmers and landowners to sequester carbon in their trees and soil, draws on a decade of service on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Earlier this month, Bennet toured the Fox State Forest in Hillsborough with the New Hampshire Timberland Owners' Association.

Bennet’s New Hampshire endorsements range from Southern New Hampshire University President Paul LeBlanc to Representatives Michael Cahill, Marjorie Smith, Bob Backus, David Luneau, Joyce Fulweiler, and Sherry Dutzy to Former Concord School Board Chairs Claudia Damon and David Ruedig to Former Gov. Hassan Legal Counsel Lucy Hodder. 

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. 

Last month, Bennet unveiled The Real Deal agenda, his comprehensive vision to make lasting progress for families and workers across the country with a plan that is progressive, paid for, and popular among the American people. The Real Deal is a political and policy blueprint designed to guide our country’s priorities for the next 20 years.

Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 24, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

New Hampshire Representative Michael Cahill & Bow Selectman Harry Judd Endorse Michael Bennet for President

MANCHESTER — New Hampshire State Representative and Assistant Majority Floor Leader Michael Cahill and Bow Selectman Harry Judd today endorsed Michael Bennet for president of the United States. 

Rep. Cahill has represented the Rockingham 17 District since 2012. He serves on the Committee on Labor, Industrial, and Rehabilitative Services. 

“I think it is critically important that we nominate and elect someone with a balanced perspective, someone who has demonstrated the ability to work with members of both parties and reach agreement,” Cahill said. “That’s why I endorse Senator Michael Bennet for president.” 

Selectman Judd, who has represented Bow since 2002, hosted an event at his home as part of Bennet’s 50 town hall tour last weekend.

“There is nobody in politics I know that has a stronger personal ethic and character than Michael Bennet,” Judd said. “Michael knows how to find consensus in Washington and in swing states—and he’ll know how to knit the country together again. Our country longs for our government to work, and for our elected officials to work together and do more than say they want bipartisanship. Michael has a proven record of finding areas of agreement with other senators, even when they disagree on many things, and working together to craft solutions. As my friends and neighbors make their choices, I ask all of them to join me in supporting him.”

Bennet’s New Hampshire endorsements range from Southern New Hampshire University President Paul LeBlanc to Representatives Marjorie Smith, Bob Backus, David Luneau, Joyce Fulweiler, and Sherry Dutzy to Former Concord School Board Chairs Claudia Damon and David Ruedig to Former Gov. Hassan Legal Counsel Lucy Hodder. 

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. 

Earlier this month, Bennet unveiled The Real Deal agenda, his comprehensive vision to make lasting progress for families and workers across the country with a plan that is progressive, paid for, and widely popular among the American people. The Real Deal is a political and policy blueprint designed to guide our country’s priorities for the next 20 years. 

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Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 16, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

Former Booker Supporter & NH Representative Bob Backus Endorses Michael Bennet for President

MANCHESTER — Environmental activist and attorney and New Hampshire State Representative Bob Backus today endorsed Michael Bennet for President of the United States. He had previously endorsed Cory Booker's campaign. Backus has represented the Hillsborough 19 district since 2012. He serves on the Committee on Science, Technology, and Energy.
 
“He’s not as young as Mayor Pete, he’s not as old as some of the other candidates, and I kind of like that,” Backus said in a video statement. “He’s got great experience as the school superintendent in Denver and a strong record in the Senate, and he’s got thoughtful positions.”
 
Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals, including to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

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Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 15, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

Former Concord School Board Chairs Endorse Michael Bennet for President

CONCORD — Former Concord School Board chairs Claudia Damon and David Ruedig today endorsed Michael Bennet for president of the United States. Bennet is the first former school superintendent to ever run for president. 

“Michael Bennet is the first school superintendent to ever run for president—and there’s nobody in this race who better understands the challenges facing public school students in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Damon. “As a past 3-term member of the Concord Board of Education and as Chair for 4 years, I know the importance of achieving equity and quality in our public schools. I’m voting for Michael in February because our kids deserve better. He’ll put education first, and I urge all my neighbors in Concord to join me in standing with him.”
 
“Michael Bennet has impressed me with his winning demeanor and optimism, his common-sense moderate policy ideas, and his commitment to the next generation,” said Ruedig. “He has extensive experience in politics—he’s been elected Senator in a purple state—as well as in education and business. All of this means he’s a great candidate who can beat Donald Trump this November.”
 
Bennet’s agenda is uniquely focused on education and the next generation, including creating universal preschool for 3- and 4-year olds, investing in the 70% of Americans who don’t graduate from college, making college affordable to drive upward mobility, and paying teachers like the professionals they are.
 
Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. His other comprehensive, field-leading proposals include plans to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

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Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, January 4, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

New Hampshire Representative Sherry Dutzy Endorses Michael Bennet for President

NASHUA — New Hampshire State Rep. Sherry Dutzy today endorsed Michael Bennet for President of the United States. Dutzy has represented the Hillsborough 30 district since 2018. She serves on the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.

“Michael Bennet has the ideas, the experience, and the perspective to beat Donald Trump and deliver for the next generation on day one,” said Dutzy. “His progressive, pragmatic plan to enlist American farmers in the fight against climate change will prove that we don’t have to choose between a healthy planet and a strong economy. I’ll be voting for him in February, and I urge all my neighbors and constituents in Nashua to do the same.”

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals, including to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 1, 2020
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

NH State Rep. David Luneau Announces Endorsement of Michael Bennet Following NH New Year’s Festivities

Watch Luneau’s endorsement here
View photos of the Bennet family at Hopkinton’s First Day Hike here

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire State Rep. David Luneau today announced his endorsement of Michael Bennet for President of the United States. The Bennet family joined Rep. Luneau for a tour of downtown Concord on New Year’s Eve and the Hopkinton First Day Hike on New Year’s Day.

Luneau has represented Hopkinton and Concord's Ward 5 (Merrimack District 10) since 2014, and has served 12 years on the Hopkinton School Board. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Education Committee.

“No candidate in this race better understands our educational crisis like Michael Bennet—and no candidate has a more comprehensive plan to turn the system around,” said Luneau. “As a former school superintendent, Michael understands that it’s time for our president to put kids first. His focus on durable legislation stands out, and will move New Hampshire and the country forward. He’s a passionate, pragmatic, and progressive advocate for the next generation, and I’ll be proud to stand with him on February 11th.”

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals, including to ensure equal must be equal in our education system, provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

Watch Luneau’s endorsement here.

View photos of the Bennet family at the Hopkinton First Day Hike here.

Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 19, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

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

Watch LeBlanc’s endorsement here.
 
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.”

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two national elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

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Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 5, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

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.

Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two national elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.
 
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Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 26, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

Bennet for America Announces Endorsements of Longtime NH Democratic Leaders

MANCHESTER — Bennet for America today announced that State Representative Joyce Fulweiler (D-Merrimack) and longtime Democratic activist Dan Calegari have endorsed Michael Bennet for President of the United States.

State Rep. Fulweiler has represented Merrimack District 3 since 2016. Her lifetime of public service has included roles as Town Administrators of Northfield, Newmarket, and Tilton. 

Dan Calegari has been a fixture of Granite State politics for over 30 years. He served as an advisor to Sen. John Kerry’s campaign in 2004, and emerged as a key Democratic operative while serving as an integral component of then-Sen. Gary Hart’s insurgent primary victory here in 1984.

“Michael Bennet is the opposite of Donald Trump — he will unify the American people and move our country forward, getting us out of the morass we have been in for the last three years and into a stronger future,” said Calegari. “I worked alongside Jeanne Shaheen as a member of Gary Hart’s insurgent 1984 campaign, and I know Michael has what it takes to win in tough places like New Hampshire and beat Trump. He’s going to fight for the next generation and drive the kind of opportunity all Americans need. Everyone should be paying attention to Michael Bennet.”  

“We are so fortunate to have such a remarkable field of Democratic presidential candidates. I have decided to give my support to Colorado Senator Michael Bennet as I believe he is the best candidate to beat Donald Trump,” said Fulweiler. “He’s smart, experienced, and actually cares about people unlike our current president. Michael’s track record of winning in tough places and his unifying agenda will be a winning combination to put us on the right path for the next generation.”

Michael Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two national elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

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Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 6, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham

Michael Bennet Officially Files to be on NH Presidential Primary Ballot, Announces New Endorsements From NH Community Leaders

CONCORD, NH — Michael Bennet officially filed to be on the ballot for the New Hampshire presidential primary today, joined by supporters at the State House in Concord. Bennet for America also announced new endorsements from New Hampshire community leaders, some of whom were on hand for the filing.

“As a former school superintendent, I wake up every day and go to bed every night thinking about how we can build a better future for our kids, and I’m running for president to ensure we leave more to the next generation,” said Bennet. “As the only candidate to win two national races in a state that’s only one-third Democrats, I also know what it takes to win in a purple state like New Hampshire and what it’s going to take to beat Donald Trump in 2020. While other candidates may be turning their backs on the Granite State, I’m expanding my operation here and meeting voters where they are as they play a critical role in selecting our nominee.”

Former U.S. Senator Gary Hart — who won an insurgent victory in New Hampshire during the 1984 Democratic presidential primary — endorsed Bennet in September at the New Hampshire Democratic Party State Convention. Will Kanteres, a key aide to Hart’s campaign and a Manchester business owner and community leader, endorsed Bennet today.

“Michael Bennet’s experience in the U.S. Senate and as superintendent of the Denver schools has taught him that the best solutions do not just address the immediate symptoms of a problem, but rather provide the roadmap and tools necessary for long-term solutions,” said Kanteres. “He is running not just for our generation but for a better future for our children. Michael is also the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in a purple state like New Hampshire and help Democrats win up and down the ballot.”

Other new community leader endorsements include:

  • Lucy Hodder, UNH School of Law Professor & Former Legal Counsel to then-Governor Maggie Hassan
  • Molly Shaheen, Designer & Entrepreneur
  • Maria Law, Partner, Rath & Pignatelli
  • Rick Loeffler, Small Business Owner
  • Pete Spanos, Democratic Activist
  • Mike Steinberg, CEO & Founder, Relyco
  • Meryl Levin, Executive Director, Mill Falls Charter School
  • Sheridan Brown, Attorney & Conservation Activist
  • Mary Reudig, Democratic Activist
  • Kyri Claflin, Retired Professor & Voting Rights Activist
  • Nancy Vawter, Small Business Owner
  • Kathie Latham, Nashua Public School Teacher

Bennet’s latest visit comes as praise continues to mount in the Granite State. Last month, New Hampshire DNC Committee Member Bill Shaheen said Bennet “would be a terrific choice for president,” and the Union Leader editorial board wrote that Bennet “continues to impress here in New Hampshire....”

Bennet will also speak with voters today at meet and greets hosted by Relyco CEO & Founder Mike Steinberg in Dover and State Rep. Marjorie Smith in Durham.

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