PRESS RELEASE: Valerie Jarrett, Close Obama Aide, Praises Rufus Gifford in Bid for 3rd District Seat

 

Endorsement e-mail says entire Obama team rooting for Rufus

LOWELL—Valerie Jarrett, former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, today sent an endorsement e-mail to supporters of Rufus Gifford, Democratic candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ 3rd District.

The text of Jarrett’s e-mail follows:

Friends,

As Rufus’ primary is just a few days away, I wanted to write you and let you know how much I, and our entire network of Obama alumni, are rooting for him.

As you know, Rufus was a senior campaign aide for President Obama, who then nominated him to be the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark. I was there with him every step of the way, and I can assure you: Rufus is a top-notch public servant who has only ever wanted to help people, and I am grateful for all Rufus has done for our country.

Rufus was a vital part of the Obama administration, a time when we made progress on everything from the Affordable Care Act to the Paris Climate Agreement to marriage equality—and more. When all that progress is under threat, we need someone like Rufus to not only defend the legacy of his former boss, but build on it and go even further.

We are all so proud that Rufus decided to step up his level of service and put his own name on a ballot. I know it can be a scary thing to enter this realm, but in these perilous times, we all need to do what we can.

Like you, we’ve watched Rufus on the campaign trail, and you can tell he’s a natural. He’s positive and optimistic. He’s talking about bold, aspirational policies. He’s certainly taken a page out of the Obama campaign playbook, prioritizing a grassroots organizing strategy. He’s in his element when engaging with voters from all walks of life. He’s authentic, and genuinely loves people. And most importantly, he’s reminding voters that it wasn’t that long ago when we were inspired by the work of our government, and that we can do this again.

We can do it again with leaders like Rufus in Washington. We need that fresh perspective. We need his experience working on the frontlines of the Obama administration. We need his energy, his passion, and his hope.

Rufus is the change that I believe in. If you know anything about Rufus, I trust you feel the same way.

We know this is a very close race, but with your help, we know Rufus can get over the finish line on top. 

Thank you, and go Rufus!

Valerie Jarrett
Senior Advisor to President Obama

 

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