NewDems endorse Margaret Good

Congressional candidate Margaret Good will need a 'near-perfect' campaign to beat Vern Buchanan.

The NewDems Action Fund endorsed Sarasota Democrat Margaret Good in a fresh round of candidate endorsements Monday.

“NewDems stand for fresh approaches, bold ideas and meaningful progress,” said Congressman Ami Bera, NewDem Action Fund Chair.

“Margaret has committed to that same approach and has what it takes to win in this competitive district. We look forward to standing side by side through 2020 and beyond.”

The Good campaign said the group will play an important roll in the state lawmaker’s effort to oust U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a 14-year Republican incumbent.

“Our country needs leaders that will take on the climate crisis, find solutions to our outrageous healthcare and prescription drug costs, and work to expand economic opportunity,” said Good.

“The NewDems Action Fund has made it their mission to elect those people to Congress and I’m proud to have their support.”

The NewDem Actions Fund previously spotlighted Good in its “Frontier Candidates” list, which showcases candidates with potential to turn districts into battlegrounds.

The PAC had previously endorses only three candidates (Betsy Dirksen Londrigan in Illinois, Dan Feehan in Minnesota, and Carolyn Long in Washington), all of whom has previous experience running congressional campaigns. Good was among six candidates the group endorsed on Monday morning.

The national group focuses on electing Democrats who support policies to expand economic growth. That could be important as Good takes on Buchanan, the highest ranking Republican on the House Trade Subcommittee.

It also means the PAC could provide some financial firepower in the race.

And Good campaign officials note the NewDems have a reputation for results. About 40% of the sitting Democratic caucus enjoyed the support of the NewDems on their own way to Washington.

Good has worked to gather support among pro-choice women’s groups and also landed support from End Citizens United. It’s part of an effort to swing Florida’s 16th Congressional District, where national Democrats have long wanted to compete.