- 2020 « Democratic Candidates « Pete for America Organization « Press Releases — South Carolina Endorsements
Pete for America
For Immediate Release: February 26, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
Charleston County Democratic Party Chair Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Today, Charleston County Democratic Chair Colleen Condon announced her support for Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, citing the strong grassroot connection he has built with Lowcountry voters — and his ability to beat Donald Trump.Condon has been a fixture in South Carolina politics for many years and served on Charleston County council from 2005 to 2016. She was elected to serve as the chair for the Charleston County Democratic Party in 2019. Condon has worked to increase the visibility of the Democratic party throughout the Lowcountry.
Her decision to support Pete Buttigieg came after witnessing his campaign’s efforts to connect with the Lowcountry community.
“Pete Buttigieg’s campaign has been consistent and committed in its approach to relational organizing across Charleston County, helping voters understand who Pete is and what he believes in, through heartfelt and policy centered conversations,” Condon said. “Pete’s dynamic candidacy has already proven he is more than capable of appealing to former republicans, committed Democrats and is the nominee we need to win races down ballot across this nation.”
About Colleen Condon
Outside of her community involvement, Condon is a local family law attorney and runs her own law firm, Condon Family Law LLC. In 2014, Condon sued the state for the right to receive a marriage license so she could marry her fiancée, Nichols Beckley. After a federal judge ruled in the couple’s favor, they were married in 2015. She has served as the board president of the Alliance for Full Acceptance, a local LGBTQ advocacy group, since 2018.
Pete for America
February 24, 2020
BREAKING: The State Endorses Pete Buttigieg in the South Carolina Democratic Party Primary
COLUMBIA, SC — Tonight, Pete Buttigieg received the endorsement from one of South Carolina’s largest statewide newspapers, The State. The editorial board touted Pete as the candidate best positioned to defeat Donald Trump by bringing the nation together to meet our greatest challenges.Read their endorsement below:
The Democratic Party’s presidential nominee will face a formidable general election opponent in Republican President Donald Trump, an incumbent armed with a strong economic record and a force of personality that has spawned a fiercely loyal base of supporters.
It is vital, then, for the Democrats to nominate an energetic, disciplined candidate who can offer voters a powerful yet pragmatic vision of a better America. The Democrats need a nominee who seeks to bring Americans together based on broad common ground — and not divide them along narrow interests.
Among the Democratic presidential candidates, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg is the best person to meet these challenges.
On Saturday, the voters of South Carolina should choose Buttigieg in the state’s Democratic presidential primary.
An outsider’s appeal
History does not lie.
During the last half-century, the Democratic Party has only won the presidency when it has resisted the temptation to pick status-quo nominees and shown the courage to choose centrist outsiders with fresh, optimistic messages.
Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama prevailed in part because they understood the values of real-world America. All three successfully connected with voters by tapping into the sensibilities of average Americans.
Buttigieg has gained that needed perspective during his eight years leading South Bend, a Midwestern city that had to reinvent itself and cast aside a Rust Belt image. And Buttigieg’s policies also reflect that essential connection to everyday Americans.
On health care, for example, Buttigieg’s “ Medicare for all who want it” plan would offer Americans access to a public option without eliminating the private insurance plans so many citizens now have. In fact, Buttigieg’s proposal could drive down the cost of those plans by promoting competition among private insurers.
That’s preferable to demanding a radical overhaul of our health care system — an unrealistic idea that’s been advanced by politicians who spend most of their time inside the insular Washington bubble. And it exemplifies Buttigieg’s ability to see a crucial issue through the eyes of Americans who simply want practical policies, not upheaval and unknowns.
A message of unity
While Buttigieg is only 38, he has a wide range of relevant experience — he’s a Rhodes Scholar who served as a military intelligence officer in Afghanistan — that has shaped the most compelling theme of his campaign: it is time for America and Americans to embrace unity and reject division.
“We’re in a moment where our country is hurting for experiences we have in common,” Buttigieg told The State.
Buttigieg’s message of unity is an inspiring and empowering one, and it deserves to be supported.
Earning minority support
Clearly the biggest challenge Buttigieg faces as a candidate is developing support among African American voters across South Carolina and the entire country.
Buttigieg did earn the backing of many African Americans as South Bend’s mayor. But he also had a complicated relationship with that city’s African American community, and tensions flared last summer when a black man was fatally shot by a South Bend police officer.
To his credit Buttigieg has openly acknowledged his responsibility to build trust with African American voters. He has made important strides by releasing ambitious proposals aimed at increasing economic prosperity among African Americans, strengthening historically black colleges and universities and implementing extensive criminal justice reforms.
Too often Buttigieg’s critics have ignored his substantive efforts to earn the support of black voters, and Buttigieg’s appeals to African Americans should be judged by this standard: Is his outreach genuine, and is it being undertaken in good faith?
We believe that it is.
Making history
Buttigieg could make history as the first openly gay nominee of a major party, and some wonder whether he could win in a solidly red state such as South Carolina. But why is there such skepticism?
The reality is that Buttigieg’s policy centrism is more important than his personal life. Indeed, Buttigieg put it well when he told The State that the American people understand that the 2020 election “is not about my life — it’s about (their lives). If I have the right answers to how I can make your life better, all of the other stuff fades away.”
He’s right.
At this perilous moment in politics, South Carolina voters should be focused on finding a candidate whose policy proposals are a good fit for the state; by that measure, Buttigieg’s aspirational yet realistic plans are the best match for South Carolina.
The other candidates
Our endorsement comes at the end of a long process that saw The State interview Buttigieg and eight other Democratic presidential candidates: former Vice President Joe Biden, former U.S. housing secretary Julian Castro, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, entrepreneur Andrew Yang, businessman Tom Steyer and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
Castro, Booker, Yang and Patrick have since suspended their campaigns.
During the multiple months of interviewing candidates, The State made repeated attempts to schedule a meeting with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Despite those extensive efforts, Sanders would not agree to participate in an interview.
We did not interview another major candidate, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, because he is not on the South Carolina primary ballot.
Buttigieg gets our nod over Klobuchar and Biden, who were both impressive in their interviews.
Klobuchar did a superb job of citing her accomplished record as a Minnesota senator who has reached across the aisle in Washington — and she made a forceful case that the Democrats must nominate someone who can actually get things done as president.
But Buttigieg separated himself from the pack by effectively making the case that he can unify and lead a diverse Democratic Party in the midst of a pitched ideological battle between its liberal and centrist wings.
On Saturday, South Carolina voters should enthusiastically vote for Buttigieg in the Democratic primary.
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Pete
for America
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
COLUMBIA, SC - Today, Norway Mayor Tracie M. Clemons endorsed Pete Buttigieg for President, citing his rural economy plan and his leadership as Mayor of South Bend. Mayor Clemons is the first Black Woman Mayor to endorse Buttigieg in South Carolina.
“I know first hand that Mayors get things done and that’s why I trust Pete to lead our nation with the same vigor and focus he brought to his time and tenure as Mayor of South Bend. It's his progressive leadership style and efforts that sold it for me,” said Clemons. “Pete’s bold and pragmatic leadership — and his vision to uplift rural communities like Norway — is an inspiration and exactly what we need in the White House.”
Clemons was first elected in November 2019 and ran on a platform of revitalizing Norway, addressing water quality issues, and making local government more accessible to community members. She specifically cited Pete’s plan to unleash the power of rural communities in her endorsement — saying that she believes Pete’s policy is a model for how to uplift communities like Norway.
In the past week alone, Buttigieg has also picked up key South Carolina endorsements — including from State Representative JA Moore and seven faith leaders from across the state.
Pete for America
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
Representing congregations from Greenville to Charleston, these faith leaders share Pete’s belief that at its core, faith is regard for one another, and part of God’s love is experienced in the ways that we support and serve one another, especially for the least among us -- empowering marginalized people, ending poverty, visiting the prisoner, and welcoming the stranger.
Endorsers include:
Reverend Anne McCants,
A More Excellent Way Church, Blythewood
Reverend Mack McCants,
A More Excellent Way Church, Blythewood
Reverend Colin Kerr,
Founding Pastor of Parkside Church, Charleston
Reverend Demett Jenkins,
International African American Museum’s Lilly Director of Education and Engagement for Faith-Based Communities, Charleston
Reverend Merianna Harrelson
Pastor of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ, Columbia
Reverend Steve Garrett,
New Day Christian Community Church, Greenville
Reverend Michele Fischer,
Good Shepherd Lutheran, Swansea
Reverend Ann McCants, “Faith flows from a place that is intensely personal. I’m supporting Mayor Pete for President due to his respect for religious freedom. There is a great comfort in knowing we can elect a President committed to everyone's right to practice their faith, their way.”
Reverend Colin Kerr, “I've been deeply impressed by Mayor Pete's thoughtful application of his faith to his worldview, and his consistent commitment to inclusion and respect even to those who disagree with him. These are traits that will create the healthiest environment for healing our civic wounds and restoring dignity to the office of President. With this in mind, I believe Mayor Pete is best positioned to achieve realistic progressive goals that will be both meaningful and enduring past his own tenure.”
Reverend Demett Jenkins,“As a former chaplain and director of social services, my eyes are open to the contrast between long term care and crisis care. Our current healthcare system allows insurance companies to currently focus on payment as opposed to people. It’s my belief that under a Buttigieg administration, insurance companies and legislators will be held accountable.”
Reverend Merriana Harrelson, “I support Mayor Pete because our country needs more hope, love, and kindness. His campaign is founded upon spreading hope and kindness to everyone he encounters.”
Reverend Steve Garrett,“I support Mayor Pete because he understands that each individual is entitled to celebrate their faith according to their tradition as we all seek justice and equality for everyone. His commitment to dedicated service, intelligent discourse and building consensus is incredibly important in this crucial time in America's history.”
Reverend Michele Fischer, “South Carolina and our country needs a President who speaks up for progressive Christians, who can unify this diverse country and I think Pete can do that. Furthermore, we owe it to our veterans, to elect someone who has served in our military as our next Commander in Chief.”
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
Norway Mayor Tracie M. Clemons Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President
Mayor Clemons is the first Black Woman Mayor to endorse Pete Buttigieg in South CarolinaCOLUMBIA, SC - Today, Norway Mayor Tracie M. Clemons endorsed Pete Buttigieg for President, citing his rural economy plan and his leadership as Mayor of South Bend. Mayor Clemons is the first Black Woman Mayor to endorse Buttigieg in South Carolina.
“I know first hand that Mayors get things done and that’s why I trust Pete to lead our nation with the same vigor and focus he brought to his time and tenure as Mayor of South Bend. It's his progressive leadership style and efforts that sold it for me,” said Clemons. “Pete’s bold and pragmatic leadership — and his vision to uplift rural communities like Norway — is an inspiration and exactly what we need in the White House.”
Clemons was first elected in November 2019 and ran on a platform of revitalizing Norway, addressing water quality issues, and making local government more accessible to community members. She specifically cited Pete’s plan to unleash the power of rural communities in her endorsement — saying that she believes Pete’s policy is a model for how to uplift communities like Norway.
In the past week alone, Buttigieg has also picked up key South Carolina endorsements — including from State Representative JA Moore and seven faith leaders from across the state.
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Pete for America
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
South Carolina Faith Leaders Endorse Pete Buttigieg for President
GREENVILLE, SC — Following the New Hampshire primaries, seven multi-denominational leaders of faith communities from across the state announced their support for Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President.Representing congregations from Greenville to Charleston, these faith leaders share Pete’s belief that at its core, faith is regard for one another, and part of God’s love is experienced in the ways that we support and serve one another, especially for the least among us -- empowering marginalized people, ending poverty, visiting the prisoner, and welcoming the stranger.
Endorsers include:
Reverend Anne McCants,
A More Excellent Way Church, Blythewood
Reverend Mack McCants,
A More Excellent Way Church, Blythewood
Reverend Colin Kerr,
Founding Pastor of Parkside Church, Charleston
Reverend Demett Jenkins,
International African American Museum’s Lilly Director of Education and Engagement for Faith-Based Communities, Charleston
Reverend Merianna Harrelson
Pastor of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ, Columbia
Reverend Steve Garrett,
New Day Christian Community Church, Greenville
Reverend Michele Fischer,
Good Shepherd Lutheran, Swansea
Reverend Ann McCants, “Faith flows from a place that is intensely personal. I’m supporting Mayor Pete for President due to his respect for religious freedom. There is a great comfort in knowing we can elect a President committed to everyone's right to practice their faith, their way.”
Reverend Colin Kerr, “I've been deeply impressed by Mayor Pete's thoughtful application of his faith to his worldview, and his consistent commitment to inclusion and respect even to those who disagree with him. These are traits that will create the healthiest environment for healing our civic wounds and restoring dignity to the office of President. With this in mind, I believe Mayor Pete is best positioned to achieve realistic progressive goals that will be both meaningful and enduring past his own tenure.”
Reverend Demett Jenkins,“As a former chaplain and director of social services, my eyes are open to the contrast between long term care and crisis care. Our current healthcare system allows insurance companies to currently focus on payment as opposed to people. It’s my belief that under a Buttigieg administration, insurance companies and legislators will be held accountable.”
Reverend Merriana Harrelson, “I support Mayor Pete because our country needs more hope, love, and kindness. His campaign is founded upon spreading hope and kindness to everyone he encounters.”
Reverend Steve Garrett,“I support Mayor Pete because he understands that each individual is entitled to celebrate their faith according to their tradition as we all seek justice and equality for everyone. His commitment to dedicated service, intelligent discourse and building consensus is incredibly important in this crucial time in America's history.”
Reverend Michele Fischer, “South Carolina and our country needs a President who speaks up for progressive Christians, who can unify this diverse country and I think Pete can do that. Furthermore, we owe it to our veterans, to elect someone who has served in our military as our next Commander in Chief.”
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Pete for America
For Immediate Release: February 12, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
Following New Hampshire Primary, South Carolina Ramps Up Staff And Announces Endorsement of State Representative JA Moore
CHARLESTON, SC -- Today, South Carolina State Representative JA Moore announced his endorsement of Pete Buttigieg for President. The endorsement comes on the heels of Pete’s historic victory in the Iowa caucuses and strong performance in the New Hampshire primary, and as Pete for America in South Carolina ramps up its staff on the ground in the Palmetto State.Moore represents House District 15, a rapidly growing portion of Berkeley and Charleston counties. He recently introduced Pete at an event in Moncks Corner with Charlamagne tha God, host of the influential Breakfast Club radio program.
“Electability is top of mind for every South Carolina voter. If anyone had doubts, Pete Buttigieg has proven he's the only viable candidate to build a cross racial, rural, urban and suburban coalition to win in November.” says Representative Moore. “As a 34-year-old elected official in South Carolina, I know the value of next generation leadership. I am proud to endorse Pete for President and show everyone we’re ready to win the era together.”
The endorsement comes as Pete for America in South Carolina is expanding to 55 staff members in the state across its six field offices. Pete’s campaign has also been investing in paid media across the state, running digital, television and radio ads, including one featuring Walter Clyburn Reed and Abe Jenkins reflecting on the legacies of their respective grandfathers and why it ultimately led them to support Pete to be the Democratic nominee. Clyburn Reed is the grandson of Rep. James E. Clyburn, and Jenkins is the grandson of civil rights leader Esau Jenkins. Pete for America also recently announced that following Pete’s historic win in the Iowa Caucuses that it would be increasing its digital paid media investment in the state.
South Carolina District 15 State Representative JA Moore, represents voters in Berkeley and Charleston counties, including parts of North Charleston, Hanahan, Goose Creek, and Moncks Corner. An alumni of Johnson & Wales University, Moore is a chef and small business owner. In the legislature he serves as First Vice Chair, on the Interstate Cooperation Committee is a member of the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, and a member on the Subcommittee on Military, Local Government and Public Affairs. JA’s father, the late James A. Moore, was one of the first African-Americans to serve in the Marine Corps.
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Pete
for America
For Immediate Release: January 27, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
COLUMBIA, SC -- Today, the Pete for America campaign announced that Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, Laurens Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan, and Chesnee Councilwoman Verhonda Crawford are endorsing Pete Buttigieg for President. These endorsements come on the heels of two trips Pete made to the Palmetto State in the past week.
“We need a mayor’s perspective in the White House,” said Mayor Roberts. “Pete will bring an attitude of personal accountability to Washington working daily to heal our nation by focusing on our shared values and collective goals. He is running to bring the same transformative approach he brought to his city to our country—and I’m proud to stand with him in that effort.”
“Pete understands that investing in Black entrepreneurship is critical to revitalizing communities like Laurens,” said Councilwoman Sullivan. “That’s why he has committed to tripling the number of entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds as President. I’m proud to support Pete because he is the leader our country needs to unify the country behind policy solutions we need to move our state and our country forward.”
“As one of the youngest officials elected to office in South Carolina, I know what it means to have a personal stake in the policies that you enact in your own community,” said Councilwoman Crawford. “Pete has a personal stake in meeting our nation’s challenges around climate change, health care, racial equity, and equality. I believe that he is our best chance to not only defeat Donald Trump, but take meaningful action to unify the country behind solutions that improve the lives of South Carolinians.”
Only 37 days out from the primary, momentum behind the Buttigieg campaign is growing as South Carolinians look to turn the page on the political warfare we have come to accept from Washington and show the American people that we can do things that have never been done before. Pete for America continues to build its organization with six offices and 49 staff members organizing across the state to spread Pete’s message. Additionally, the campaign is in the midst of a $2 million investment on advertising in the state ahead of the February primary election.
Last weekend, Team Pete in South Carolina attended, participated in or sponsored over 60 Martin Luther King remembrance events across the state including having Pete come to the State to address the Columbia Urban League at its 22nd Annual Keeping the Legacy Alive Breakfast held at Brookland Baptist Church. Speaking to over 400 local leaders, community members and elected officials, Pete affirmed his belief, each of has a role in ensuring Dr. King’s legacy continues to live on.
About Mayor Terence Roberts
Terence Roberts has served as the Mayor of Anderson since 2006. Roberts is the first Black mayor of Anderson. Roberts has owned a small business in Anderson for more than 25 years.
About Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan
Laurens Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan was elected in 2016. Sullivan also serves as the Laurens County Democratic Party Chair.
About Councilwoman Verhonda Crawford
Verhonda Crawford was elected as the youngest government official in the state of South Carolina as a city councilwoman in her hometown of Chesnee, South Carolina. She is also the owner of a public relations consulting firm and the co-owner of a boutique in Chesnee. She received a BA degree in Public Relations from Gardner- Webb University.
For Immediate Release: January 27, 2020
Contact: Lauren Brown
Pete Buttigieg Picks Up Endorsements From Three South Carolina Elected Officials
www.peteforamerica.com
COLUMBIA, SC -- Today, the Pete for America campaign announced that Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, Laurens Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan, and Chesnee Councilwoman Verhonda Crawford are endorsing Pete Buttigieg for President. These endorsements come on the heels of two trips Pete made to the Palmetto State in the past week.
“We need a mayor’s perspective in the White House,” said Mayor Roberts. “Pete will bring an attitude of personal accountability to Washington working daily to heal our nation by focusing on our shared values and collective goals. He is running to bring the same transformative approach he brought to his city to our country—and I’m proud to stand with him in that effort.”
“Pete understands that investing in Black entrepreneurship is critical to revitalizing communities like Laurens,” said Councilwoman Sullivan. “That’s why he has committed to tripling the number of entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds as President. I’m proud to support Pete because he is the leader our country needs to unify the country behind policy solutions we need to move our state and our country forward.”
“As one of the youngest officials elected to office in South Carolina, I know what it means to have a personal stake in the policies that you enact in your own community,” said Councilwoman Crawford. “Pete has a personal stake in meeting our nation’s challenges around climate change, health care, racial equity, and equality. I believe that he is our best chance to not only defeat Donald Trump, but take meaningful action to unify the country behind solutions that improve the lives of South Carolinians.”
Only 37 days out from the primary, momentum behind the Buttigieg campaign is growing as South Carolinians look to turn the page on the political warfare we have come to accept from Washington and show the American people that we can do things that have never been done before. Pete for America continues to build its organization with six offices and 49 staff members organizing across the state to spread Pete’s message. Additionally, the campaign is in the midst of a $2 million investment on advertising in the state ahead of the February primary election.
Last weekend, Team Pete in South Carolina attended, participated in or sponsored over 60 Martin Luther King remembrance events across the state including having Pete come to the State to address the Columbia Urban League at its 22nd Annual Keeping the Legacy Alive Breakfast held at Brookland Baptist Church. Speaking to over 400 local leaders, community members and elected officials, Pete affirmed his belief, each of has a role in ensuring Dr. King’s legacy continues to live on.
About Mayor Terence Roberts
Terence Roberts has served as the Mayor of Anderson since 2006. Roberts is the first Black mayor of Anderson. Roberts has owned a small business in Anderson for more than 25 years.
About Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan
Laurens Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan was elected in 2016. Sullivan also serves as the Laurens County Democratic Party Chair.
About Councilwoman Verhonda Crawford
Verhonda Crawford was elected as the youngest government official in the state of South Carolina as a city councilwoman in her hometown of Chesnee, South Carolina. She is also the owner of a public relations consulting firm and the co-owner of a boutique in Chesnee. She received a BA degree in Public Relations from Gardner- Webb University.
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