Michael Montagano calls on heavy hitters for the U.S. Congress Third District

Press release from the Mike Montagano camp:


Former Governor Joe Kernan & Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry Endorse Mike Montagano for U.S. Congress
Fort Wayne, IN – This Friday, August 15, 2008, two political heavyweights in northeast Indiana joined forces to endorse the Third District’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress, Mike Montagano. Former Indiana Governor Joe Kernan came to Fort Wayne to officially endorse Mike Montagano and was joined by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry.

“As a former Governor, I understand how important it is for Indiana to have strong representation in Washington,” stated Governor Kernan. “Mike understands our needs and will be that much needed Hoosier voice in Congress.”

Mayor Henry was also on hand to endorse Montagano, saying that, “Mike represents a new perspective and a new generation of leadership. He understands the importance of economic development and job creation in cities such as Fort Wayne and across northeastern Indiana. Mike is the kind of dynamic and visionary young man who will go to Congress and get our country moving again.”

“It has been my privilege to serve great Hoosier leaders like Governor Kernan and Congressman Tim Roemer,” Montagano said. “I am honored that Governor Kernan and Mayor Henry have joined me tonight to endorse my campaign. It is a powerful statement that they are confident in my ability to bring true Hoosier values to Washington and deliver needed change for families in Northeast Indiana.”

The pair of endorsements further illustrate the strong momentum behind the Montagano campaign. Montagano outraised incumbent Mark Souder in the last reporting period – one of only twenty-two candidates in the country to outraise an incumbent opponent. Montagano also reported more cash on hand than Souder, one of only nine candidates to have more money in the bank than an incumbent opponent. And, most recently, Montagano went up last week with a heavy TV blitz, that continues through this week and beyond. Souder, by contrast, has yet to start airing any TV or radio ads.

The endorsement came last Friday at Memorial Stadium before the Fort Wayne Wizards hosted the former Governor’s South Bend Silver Hawks. Prior to the game, Mayor Henry and Montagano threw out the first pitches to Governor Kernan, a former catcher for the University of Notre Dame baseball team, in front of a full-house of about 6,600 fans.