For Immediate Release
June 11, 2014

Contact: Travis Shofner
Phone: 617.939.0800

THREE DAYS TO GRASSROOTS VICTORY:STATE SENATOR BEN DOWNING NAMED COORDINATED CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

Downing to Serve as Chief Surrogate for Coordinated Campaign Effort

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Democratic Party today named State Senator Ben Downing Co-Chair of the Coordinated Campaign, a crucial post that will serve as the chief surrogate for Democratic efforts throughout the election cycle. Downing, of Pittsfield, is a rising star in Democratic politics and has represented the Berkshires and portions of Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties since 2007.

As Chair of Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, Downing’s leadership on clean energy has helped make Massachusetts No. 1 in the nation. According to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, there are now nearly 80,000 clean energy jobs in Massachusetts, with a 24% growth in the last two years.

“Massachusetts is back in the leadership business because of the Democratic Party,” said Downing. “As Democrats, we’ve got a great story to tell about leading the nation in business competitiveness, education, clean energy and veteran’s services. I’m excited to travel the Commonwealth and tell that story.”

Over the past two election cycles, the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign efforts have resulted in historic voter turnout by focusing on the grassroots and campaigning the way we govern: person-to-person, door-to-door voter contact.

“During the last eight years, Governor Patrick and our Democratic legislature have invested in the whole state and that’s why independent economists say our economy is growing at ‘warp speed’,” said Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Tom McGee. “Massachusetts voters know Democratic ideas are why our Commonwealth is moving forward, and Senator Downing is the perfect surrogate to energize the grassroots.”

In addition to promoting the successful policies of Democrats, Downing will highlight the tired arguments and misinformation coming from the State Republican Party and Republican Charlie Baker.

“Republican Charlie Baker is proposing we go back to the same failed policies that left us 47th in the nation in job creation,” said Downing. “Voters know there’s a real contrast between the proven ideas and grassroots activism of the Democratic Party and old Republican policies the Republican candidates are proposing or trying to run from.”

Downing’s Coordinated Campaign Co-Chair will be named at a later date.

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