In a clear signal of support from Barack Obama’s team, former White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough has endorsed Andy Kim for Congress in New Jersey’s third district.
“I’ve seen Andy tested — and I know he will stand up for what’s right eve during the toughest of crises,” McDonough said in a statement released by Kim’s campaign. “He is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress.”
Kim served in the Obama White House as a Iraq Director on the National Security Council. A Rhodes Scholar, he also held posts in the State Department, and spent six months in Afghanistan on the staff of Gen. David Petraeus.
The endorsement will boost Kim’s already successful fundraising. He has already raised over $600,000, according to preliminary numbers raised by his campaign.
The timing is also good. Brick Mayor John Ducey is reportedly close to deciding whether he will seek the Democratic nomination. While McDonough’s support does little to sway voters, it will help Ducey to understand that Kim brings a national fundraising and political organization to the table.
McDonough’s endorsement featured a direct attack on the Republican incumbent, Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-Toms River) on health care issues.
“While MacArthur sought to gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions, Andy has always been committed to serving something greater than himself with passion, purpose and patriotism,” McDonough said. “He is a leader who has served the American public with integrity.”
Obama carried the third district in 2016 by a 52%-48% margin.