May, 2010

McGovern adds two to campaign staff

By Re-Elect McGovern Committee  

Congressman Jim McGovern announced today the hiring of two new campaign staffers, signaling his intent to mount an energetic re-election campaign for Congress representing the Massachusetts Third Congressional District. Campaign Manager Ed Augustus and Director of New Media Scott Zoback join current Finance Director Matt Pacheco on the campaign staff.

“I’ve always represented my constituents aggressively, and I plan to run this campaign with the same strength and fervor,” said McGovern. “Clearly, people are looking for strong leadership, and this excellent leadership team will help ensure that I can continue to work for change; for families and small-business owners; for new jobs; for better education; for meaningful reform on Wall Street; for clean and green industries; and for the protection of Social Security and Medicare.”

Augustus has left his position as Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund of California in order to return to Massachusetts and manage McGovern’s re-election campaign. Augustus formerly ran McGovern’s successful 1998 re-election campaign and subsequently served as his Chief of Staff from 1999 through 2004. In 2004, he was elected to the MA State Senate representing Worcester and served two terms before relocating to California for his current job. He will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of the re-election campaign.

“Ed’s unrivaled knowledge of the district, his keen political instincts, and his vast campaign management experience will be invaluable,” said McGovern.

“Quite simply, there is no one who works harder or does more for his constituents than Jim McGovern,” said Augustus. “His dedication to those who need his help most is unparalleled at any level of government, and that’s exactly what the 3rd Congressional District needs.”

Zoback comes to the campaign from the office of Massachusetts State Senator Harriette Chandler, where he served as Communications Director. Prior to working for Senator Chandler, Zoback was a reporter and editor with Worcester Magazine, where he developed Worcester’s first major news blog and drove the paper’s political and feature coverage. He comes to the campaign with a wide knowledge and understanding of new media, including the blogosphere, social networking, and online advertising.

“Scott’s skill and adeptness in this rapidly changing arena will greatly enhance how we communicate our message,” said McGovern.

“Jim McGovern’s commitment to his district, to human rights, and to doing what is right is unparalleled,” said Zoback. “I’ve long been proud to have him as my Congressman, and look forward to working towards another successful campaign and term.”

Filed in: News

PBA Endorses Congressman Jim McGovern

By Re-Elect McGovern Committee  

WORCESTER, MA – May 3, 2010 – The International Union of Police Associations, the New England PBA, and NEPBA Worcester Local 911 – Worcester’s Police Officers, formally endorsed Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-3) in his bid for reelection today, signaling support for strong and effective leadership.

“For the past 13 years, Jim McGovern’s name has been synonymous with public safety,” said Local 911 head Steve Gunnerson, who was joined by NEPBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn at the announcement at Worcester Police Headquarters.

McGovern said that he was gratified that the union, which endorsed Republican Scott Brown in the special election for Senate, had voted to back him in this fall’s election.

“I’ve always been dedicated to the public safety officers who work tirelessly day in and out to protect our communities,” said McGovern.

“I’m proud and humbled that Local 911 has recognized my commitment to them, and given me this vote of confidence for the next two years.”

Since his election in 1996, Congressman McGovern has been a staunch supporter of legislative efforts to protect public safety officers and maintain strong public safety departments in communities throughout his district.

A few of McGovern’s recent key legislative accomplishments include:

  • Cosponsor of the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act that would extend collective bargaining rights to state and local public safety officers. It would serve as the minimum for states that have lesser collective bargaining rights and not preempt states that have stronger rights.
  • Consistently supported and advocated for the full funding of the COPS program to its authorized levels. Since 1994, that effort has put 100,000 cops on the streets, increasing the nation’s police ranks by 20%
  • Original cosponsor of the bill that authorized appropriations for the Byrne JAG program through FY 2012. This federal-crime fighting grant program allows individual departments target where they need the resources most to keep their communities safe.
  • Original cosponsor of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, which has provided over 818,000 new, bullet resistant vests to officers across the country.

McGovern said that he would continue his legislative efforts and work to “ensure that good officers like these can continue to do their jobs effectively.”

Filed in: News