Press Release: Mike Klein Endorsed by Several Orgs and Individuals
Press Release from Mike Klein for Congress Campaign:
Mike Klein Endorsed By Forward Party, Independent Veterans Of America, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Others
With just 28 days to go until the general election, Mike Klein, the Independent candidate for Congress in Florida’s 3rd District, continues to gain momentum and rack up endorsements.
Today, Klein was endorsed by the Forward Party, a national organization that aims to break out of the two-party system and put people over politics. The party supports candidates who pledge to respect the rule of law, work across the aisle, use data to drive practical solutions, and treat every constituent with respect and dignity regardless of party label. The Forward Party hopes Klein will play a key role in their Fulcrum Strategy as part of a bloc of elected officials across the country willing to act independently of party leadership and shift the incentive in Congress from party loyalty toward earning support on the merits of legislation.
Klein also recently earned the endorsement of former Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich.
“Mike Klein and I have worked together closely for the past two decades in developing a platform of Strength Through Peace,” Kucinich wrote in his endorsement. “He has the intelligence and the courage to challenge the establishment and give the people of Florida a powerful voice in pursuit of freedom and justice.”
Kucinich recently visited Gainesville to support Klein’s campaign. During a public event about the Iran War, Congress, and U.S. foreign policy, Kucinich spoke further about his conviction that Klein is the leader Florida’s 3rd District needs.
“Mike’s election to Congress would send such a powerful message to the rest of the country,” Kucinich said. “I’m here because I believe in him as a candidate. I believe in his integrity, in his fortitude, in his willingness to take a stand, in his experience as a military guy who understands the limits of the use of military power but also how important it is to defend the country. The other thing that [Mike] first talk[s] about is defending the Constitution of the United States.”
A recent Gallup poll showed that 45% of U.S. adults identify as politically independent. Independent Veterans of America, who endorsed Klein, says half of all veterans are part of this fast-growing politically independent group.
“In [Florida’s 3rd Congressional] District, there are 57,045 veterans and approximately 200,000 independents,” said IVA Founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff. “If they support Mike, Mike will win.”
Klein has earned endorsements from other veterans as well, including Scott Camil, founder of Veterans for Peace and often referred to as the “Winter Soldier.”
“Mike Klein is a trusted veteran friend of mine,” Camil said. “He will take far better care of veterans’ needs than Kat Cammack.”
West Point graduate and LTC (Ret.) BN CDR 82nd Airborne David Oclander, who met Klein at West Point, pointed to Klein’s character when explaining why he endorsed Klein.
“Mike has been absolutely formative in my personal and professional careers, and there is no one that I trust and respect more than Mike Klein,” Oclander said. “He was the first to teach me what leading with humility, courage, and candor is all about.”
Another West Point graduate, veteran, and healthcare professional, Lisa Steptoe, echoed that sentiment in her endorsement.
“Mike Klein brings integrity, independent leadership, and a genuine commitment to serving people,” Steptoe said. “I trust Mike to put his community and country first.”
As part of his campaign, Klein has made it a priority to connect with elected officials in all 12 of the counties in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District. In August, Klein traveled to the city of Jasper, located just eight miles from the Florida border, to meet with Mayor Jhelecia Hawkins at city hall. Hawkins, who also chairs the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, issued her endorsement just days after meeting Klein.
“I am personally endorsing Mike because leadership starts with the people and ends with success,” Hawkins said. “After having the opportunity to speak with Mike and hear his vision, I appreciate his willingness to listen, understand the needs of rural communities, and recognize that meaningful leadership begins by putting people first.”
Klein has decades of experience in economic development, and he cares deeply about pursuing localization to build a resilient economy and support rural communities. That fervor earned Klein an endorsement from former Chairman of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce Dean Weaver, as well as Jennifer McClure, who is a member of the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors and Vice Chair of the Global Business Council.
“Gainesville has the talent, the universities, the businesses, and an extraordinary international community,” McClure said. “Mike Klein understands how to connect those strengths to investment, trade, and new economic opportunities. I see every day that people invest in communities where they see opportunity, stability, and a future for their families. Mike understands how we build that future here, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him for Congress.”
Klein has also received endorsements from Florida for Bernie; Founder of Citizen Diplomacy Initiatives and Board Member of the Greater Gainesville International Center Steve Kalishman; Gainesville-based economic development leader and tech entrepreneur Eli Newman; and Former Chairman & Publisher of Esquire and Founder & Dean of the Baret Scholars Chris Whittle.
Several current and former political candidates have endorsed Klein, highlighting the importance of the independent thought and leadership Klein could bring to Congress. Last week, 20-year Navy veteran and Libertarian candidate for Florida’s 14th Congressional District Brian Lambert voiced his support for Klein.
“Mike Klein represents something desperately needed in Washington: independence,” Lambert said. “He answers to the people of Florida’s 3rd District, not a political party. His record of service, leadership, and commitment to accountable government make him a powerful alternative to politics as usual.”
In her endorsement, former Alachua County Commissioner candidate and Alachua County Citizens Manager Donna Bradbrook emphasized Klein’s commitment to refusing all special interest or corporate PAC money.
“I’m proud to endorse Mike Klein for Congress because he has the real world experience to understand how congressional decisions have reverberating impacts nationally as well as internationally,” Bradbrook said. “Mike is fighting against the influence of special interests and the dysfunction of the current two-party political system. He truly believes congress should work for all the people, and that is a platform I can support.”
For media inquiries, contact:
Anna Westbrook
Communications Director
Mike Klein for Congress
