In a press conference on Tuesday, June 9, the Mike Broihier for Senate campaign announced endorsements from over 30 leaders across Kentucky, and released a new ad that will be hitting all major television markets in Kentucky.
The list of endorsements (included at the bottom of this article) range from the 2019 Kentucky Veteran of the Year and the founder of the Kentucky Democratic Veterans Council, to a well-known columnist and a talk-show host, to the founder of an African-American Museum and a member of the Kentucky Board of Education.
From the press release:
The community leaders include activists, veterans, college professors, retired journalists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and more, and span a diverse range of ages, racial identity, and life experiences. A full list is below.
“I appreciate the support of so many new friends,” said Broihier. “What we’re seeing here is a sleeping giant awakening across Kentucky. Folks statewide are beginning to see that the path to victory against Mitch McConnell will run through all 120 counties, and we’re the only campaign that can get it done.”
Also, the campaign shared their new ad (below), and stated that while the Booker campaign was only going up on television in Louisville and Lexington (based on their ad buys), the Broihier campaign’s television buy (broadcast and cable) included not only Louisville and Lexington, but also the Cincinnati, Huntingdon, Bowling Green, Evansville, and Paducah markets as well.
New Mike Broihier ad
Today’s endorsements with statements
(Sorted by last name)
| Person and Background | Statement |
| Jimmy Ausbrooks, of Simpson County, licensed professional mental health counselor, openly gay advocate, Former U.S. Senate Candidate from Kentucky | “As a candidate for the Kentucky United States Senate I entered the race to give a voice to the voiceless, advocate for both my profession and my community. I recently suspended my campaign and have endorsed Mike Broihier for the Democratic nomination for United States Senate. He is someone over the duration of campaigning I have grown to respect and most importantly trust. The race has never been about one candidate or a slate of candidates but rather Kentucky. I know Mike Broihier’s commitment rivals my commitment to Kentucky.” |
| Claire Batt, Kentucky Board of Education member, teacher, literacy consultant/coach, assistant principal, long-term advocate for children’s access to high-quality education | “For over 20 years of his life Mike Broihier lived on a daily basis the mantra of the Marines, ‘Leave no man behind.’ To me, Mike continues to live by this mantra as a candidate for the US Senate. The shorthand version of his campaign reflects this same belief – social and economic justice for all – leaving no Kentuckian behind. For 30 years, we have had a senator who has left the people of Kentucky behind. Mike sees our needs. I endorse Mike Broihier for Senate. He will not leave us behind.” |
| Kimberly Cecil-Jones, talk show host, entrepreneur, Louisville activist, former Ms. Plus America, and board member of Indivisible Kentucky | “Mike Broihier is the only one with the dedication, tenacity, leadership abilities and skill set that can beat Mitch McConnell. I feel very confident and assured that Mike’s policies can make every Kentuckian’s life better. Mike brings fresh perspectives and ideas that will bring the type of change we desperately need in Kentucky and DC right now.“ |
| Lamont Collins, Founder and CEO of of Roots 101 Museum | “I’m for Mike Broihier’s platform and policies as an equitable measure to bring fair opportunity to poor people, regardless of race, color or sexual orientation.” |
| Karen Conley, Executive Director of National Organization for Women, KY, retired teacher, librarian, former co-chair Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice | “Mike Broihier is the only current KY U.S. Senate candidate who will put the needs of women and families front and center.
He has a strong, detailed platform which supports paycheck fairness, LGBTQ rights, the need to address the rights of the disabled and survivors of DV, eliminating the many challenges our diverse communities of color face, access to UBI, paid family leave and health care, a higher national minimum wage, and other critical protections – in short – economic and social justice for all. Mike has the strong leadership and communication skills to bring in the votes we need to unseat Mitch McConnell.” |
| Duquesne Cook, JCPS middle school teacher; education activist; rugby player | “I very much appreciated the town hall Mike had and the open honesty that Mike showed while answering questions. He is a candidate that has experienced multiple areas of life throughout the years and I feel that helps him actually understand the people he is supposed to be representing.” |
| Kate Cunningham, retired attorney; housing and environmental activist | “I was drawn to Mike’s straight talk about ‘controversial’ issues like abortion access and gun regulation. He is a retired Marine who has served in difficult arenas; he is a public school teacher in Kentucky – another difficult arena – and an active farmer in Lincoln County. Mike has the broad based, statewide appeal that makes him electable in the primary; Mike will give Mitch the fight of his political life in November!” |
| Ann Dickerson, former critical care RN and high school science teacher from Kenton County; Co-Founder Indivisible NKY District 4 | “Mike is the candidate I’ve waited my whole life for. He can’t be bought or manipulated. He is as authentic as the day is long. He is genuinely the right candidate at the right time with the right message, who can beat Mitch McConnell and unite people across the state regardless of any boundary.” |
| Andrea Duncan, former Housing Authority of Louisville Executive Director, political activist | “The depth and breadth of Mike Broihier’s life and leadership experience stands head and shoulders above his opponents’ resumes and provides him a unique connection to voters across a broad swath of both urban and rural Kentucky.
Broihier commands not only the fearlessness to overpower McConnell’s ruthless machine but, when victorious, will legislate not only with an intelligence and judgement responsive to data, experts, science and facts, but with integrity that holds dear the dignity and respect of all people and puts humanity first. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime candidate.” |
| Arnold Farr, University of Kentucky Professor of Philosophy and Social Theory, founder of International Herbert Marcuse Society | “Mike Broihier fights for social and economic justice for all Kentuckians – not as an experienced politician, but as someone who works Kentucky land, has taught our kids, and is familiar with kitchen-table issues that concern every family here. I believe, as a soldier, Broihier will serve Kentuckians will his soul and will not seek any personal Privileges.” |
| Sharon Fleck, Indivisible Kentucky Co-Chairperson | “Our board chose to endorse Mike Broihier because we feel very strongly that he can beat Mitch McConnell by energizing Kentuckians who are looking for someone to represent the people of Kentucky”, |
| Sharon Flynn, retired clinical social worker, in-patient psychiatry; early childhood educator | “I support Mike Broihier because he advocates for a healthy Kentucky via a universal basic income, universal health insurance, sustainable, safe jobs and affordable educational opportunity for the adults and children of our state. He is thoughtful, kind and honest and believes in social, economic and racial justice.“ |
| Roberto Henriquez, of Boone County, former teacher and IT professional; Candidate for Kentucky State House Dist. 66 | “Mike has the experience and vision to represent Kentucky and the interests of the people.” |
| Jon Huffman, actor, writer, director, producer for local and broadcast productions | “A true progressive with clear plans for policies he wants to enact. He wants to preserve democracy at a time when it’s being eroded daily.” |
| Fred Johnson, 2019 KY Veteran of the Year, Bronze star recipient, retired Army Colonel; author, storyteller, ‘Shakespeare with Veterans’ co-founder; Jefferson County middle school teacher | “He is the only candidate capable of beating Mitch McConnell. McConnell has never faced an opponent like Mike who connects so uniquely with both rural and urban Kentuckians. A Marine Corps combat veteran, Mike has “walked the talk” as a citizen in our Commonwealth for over 15 years serving as a teacher, farmer, and journalist. There’s no gimmick in McConnell’s bag of dirty tricks that Mitch can play against Mike’s unimpeachable character. As a fellow veteran, I believe – like Mike – that wealthy politicians such as McConnell have rigged the game against the poor and at-risk members of our community and we need someone who will stand with them and echo their voice in Washington, DC. That person is Mike Broihier.” |
| Commander Shedrick J. Jones, Jr., ret. Air Force veteran, Member of the National Veterans Coalition and Vet Vote 2020, former District Commander of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) in Jefferson County. | “Mike is the best candidate based on family, faith, education and service.” |
| Victoria Keith, teacher, filmmaker, activist, Christian County family farmer | “Mike Broihier is the candidate we’ve been waiting for. Family man, broadly experienced in military, teaching, and farming livelihoods. He now wants to enter public life and end the logjam McConnell has created in the Senate. He’s a man of the people, with intelligence and compassion for the rural and urban people of Kentucky.” |
| Matthew Leffler, founder of a Louisville-based digital marketing agency, president of a non-profit organization for homeless youth | “Mitch McConnell hasn’t represented Kentucky in decades. Others running are supported mostly outside the Commonwealth and we need a Kentuckian with Kentucky support in the Senate.” |
| Ellen Leichtman, Eastern Kentucky University School of Justice Studies Associate Professor, retired | “Mike is one of the most authentic people I have ever met. There is a reason why he has attracted people from the Yang and Warren campaigns to work for him, often without pay.
“He never gives boilerplate responses to difficult questions, and loves the give-and-take of meetings with people, whether in person or now, with the coronavirus, through Zoom meet-&-greets and town halls. His background in the military, where he served in Somalia, Afghanistan, and South Korea, gave him an understanding of people from different cultures. He and Lynn know firsthand the lives of farmers and those with problems making ends meet.” |
| Fletcher Long, Editor of the Jackson Times-Voice | “A statement often attributed to Albert Einstein is the definition of insanity as being one perpetually doing the same things, over and over again, but somehow expecting different results. Hey, what we are doing in Washington isn’t working…it isn’t working for our country or our commonwealth. We can’t just keep sending Mitch McConnell back, over and over again, and somehow think our lots will miraculously improve. It’s insanity. That’s why we need to elect Mike in this primary. Mike is the candidate who will clean up the mess in Washington. He’s the guy who recalls McConnell.” |
| Kyle May, licensed professional clinical counselor, openly gay advocate and activist | “I support Mike because I am confident that he makes mental health and LGBTQ+ rights a priority. Access to quality and competent mental health care is crucial for our communities. It is also imperative that people who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies are able to find providers who are competent in working with them and meeting their treatment needs. This is a speciality in our field and should be treated as such, and Mike understands that.” |
| Virginia Meagher, of Breathitt County, attorney, Leader of Indivisible SE KY; Former Board of Directors for Girl Scouts, Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council. | “Mike is a brilliant visionary who is also a people-person. He will take the fight to Mitch McConnell and win.” |
| Mustafa Merza, Kurdistan immigrant, Army translator; writer on Middle Eastern political, economic, and foreign affairs | “I support Mike because I know that he can make a difference in Kentucky and fight for our rights” |
| James Moore, software engineer and small business owner; former 8664 Plan Board Member and Louisville Dems Club Board President | “Mike is right on all of the major issues that confront us. In light of the current pandemic, universal basic Income and health care may be the most important issues to rescue our economy and to keep us healthy.” |
| George Pettit, farmer, agronomic consultant to international seed companies; former Pork Producers Association President and Hall of Fame; writer and columnist | “Mike has a vision. America used to have a vision, and Mike is our hope to return to our greatness.
Mike’s life experiences allow him to understand the ravages of poverty and how it destabilizes societies. His vision will lead us away from this path. Mike is focused on the people and their struggles. Mike is not manipulating them with hate and fear. Mike understands the American Dream. If you work hard, play by the rules then it should be achievable. Mike’s vision will clear the path to the dream. Mike understands America is about hope. He knows hate and fear will destroy the foundation of hope. His vision will bring about restoring the hope our past generations sacrificed to pass to us. Mike understands duty, and his vision will allow us to pass to the next generation the right to struggle for dignity.” |
| Billy Reed, journalist with the Louisville Courier-Journal, Lexington Herald-Leader, and Sports Illustrated | “Mike has a wide range of experience as a farmer, soldier, publisher, and devout Kentuckian. He is bright, honest, and trustworthy. He has a good grip on the issues that plague us today and some good ideas about eradicating the poverty, ignorance, and prejudice that have plagued our commonwealth for decades.” |
| Chris Rowzee, Indivisible Kentucky Co-Chairperson | “Just about every single one of his policy positions, they are focused on helping people, and that’s what the state of Kentucky needs.” |
| Ruth “Topsy” Staten, psychiatric nurse, Dept of Army; former nursing professor, University of Kentucky and University of Louisville | “I like Mike because he’s strong and clear on what he stands for and against. Mike listens for understanding. Mike supports the poor, the working poor and the middle class and will work for fair wages, good working conditions and universal basic income. He supports workers struggling with unfair wages and no benefits. He supports human rights for all. Mike brings a diversity of experiences as a military leader, farmer, teacher, and newspaper editor. Mike has a genuine interest in assuring the best for all Kentuckians.” |
| Dmitry Strakovsky, University of Kentucky Professor of Art, technologist, artist | “Mike can lead with his heart and follow through, based on years of experience around the world. I see our country getting destroyed from within simply because most politicians on the left lack the discipline and experience to push through the policies that they believe in. This is how people like Mitch win. I want a political leader whom I can trust with both the big picture and detailed implementation of policies, Mike is the only person who fits the bill.” |
| Denzel Walker, LGBTQ advocate, community activist, retail services professional | “I support Mike because I know that he can make a difference in Kentucky and fight for our rights.” |
| Elizabeth Wilson, humanist, human and civil rights activist for HIV+, women’s rights and LGBTQ activist | “I support Mike based on a strong recommendation by Jimmy Ausbrooks, and an alignment with the majority of my ideals politically.” |
| George Wright, Retired Army Lt. Col. and federal civil servant, former Army spokesman; founder and Chair of Kentucky Democratic Veterans Council; member of Governor’s Advisory Board on Veterans Affairs | “Mike Broihier announced his campaign shortly after I founded the Kentucky Democratic Veterans Council last summer. In the aftermath of Amy McGrath’s early campaign missteps, I contacted Mike to learn more about his goal. We met in Louisville and spoke for about an hour. He was clear about what he wanted to do as a U.S. Senator, and stood firmly with the positions of the working men and women of Kentucky and for the Democratic Party.
As I reviewed his platform and positions on his website, it was clear that he could stand up to Mitch McConnell in the general election. I’ve found him to be a determined candidate, always a step or two ahead of his opponents, whether in solidarity with miners blocking a coal train as they demanded their pay, speaking out for common sense gun laws with Moms Demand Action, or meeting rank and file party workers at Fancy Farm. Mike spoke forcefully at the Louisville Impeachment rally in December, and he continues to demand accountability on an Administration that has none. He is the strongest Democratic candidate on the ballot, and he can beat Mitch McConnell in November.” |
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