Received a few e-mails today from high profile names in support of former NAACP Chairman Ben Jealous’ (D. MD) gubernatorial campaign. The first one from comedian Dave Chappelle:
I'll be the first to admit, this is not my arena. I'm a politically aware dude, but I'm not a political dude.
I've never actually campaigned for a candidate, but I've decided to for Ben -- not just because he's my friend, but because he's qualified and trustworthy. And, these days, being trustworthy is more important than ever. I believe in what Ben stands for and I believe in his vision for my home state, Maryland.
Thanks,
Dave Chappelle
Click here to donate to Chappelle’s campaign.
The second one is from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I. VT) on behalf of Democracy for America:
In just a moment I am going to ask you to make a donation to Ben Jealous’ campaign for Governor of Maryland. And while I know you may not be from that state, I hope you’ll give me a chance to explain why this request is so important, especially today.
With Donald Trump in the White House, it is more important than ever that we elect great governors all across this country. And in this election, it is our job not only to defeat Trumpism, but to do it by supporting candidates who offer a progressive vision and hope for where this country can go.
And I am here to tell you that there are very few individuals I know -- running for any office -- who have the record of progressivism that Ben Jealous does. That's why my friends at Democracy for America endorsed Ben -- and why I did as well.
Now, Ben’s primary is in less than three weeks and the polls show him with a slight lead. This wasn’t always the case. But as the campaign has progressed and he’s gotten his message to more and more people, his standing in the polls has improved.
Now if we can get him the resources he needs to finish strong, I believe that he will win.
But, like me, Ben doesn’t rely on millionaires and billionaires for money. His grassroots campaign is funded by lots of people giving small amounts of money. So, if he is going to see this through, it’s going to take people like you helping him across the finish line.
That is why I am asking you today:
In his campaign, Ben Jealous is talking about health care as a right for every man, woman and child. He is talking about our broken criminal justice system and the absurdity that so many of our young people are unable to afford an education because of the income level of their families.
He is addressing the global crisis of climate change and the need for real, comprehensive immigration reform. He is talking about the belief that a woman should be making the decisions about what happens to her own body.
Ben Jealous is the former President of the NAACP and is someone who has been on the front lines of the struggle for racial justice, economic justice, environmental justice, and more.
He was there for us as a leading surrogate on our presidential campaign when the financial and political establishment were fighting back hardest against us.
Today, I want to be there for him. And if you’ll join me, if we all come together and help Ben today, he is going to win in a few weeks.
One of the ways we can most effectively oppose Donald Trump’s right-wing extremism is with strong progressive leadership at the state and local level.
And there are few progressives stronger than Ben Jealous. Let’s help get him elected.
In solidarity,
Bernie Sanders
Click here to donate to DFA’s GOTV efforts for Jealous’ campaign.