Democratic Governors Association

Contribute

The Weekender (6/19/20)

Weekender

Share


Welcome to the Democratic Governors Association’s Friday newsletter, The Weekender.
Let’s get started.

Montana: Good Jobs MT, an independent organization backed by the Democratic Governors Association, released its first TV ad in Montana, “800 THOUSAND.” The ad highlights how GOP gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte is only out for himself at Montanans’ expense. As a candidate for Congress, Gianforte praised a bill that would eliminate healthcare coverage for 70,000 Montanans but would give him nearly $800,000 in tax breaks. It’s only one way with Greg Gianforte – he looks out for himself and never for Montanans.
Indiana: On June 13th, the Indiana Democratic Party held their virtual convention, which included a speech from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Woody Myers. Myers spoke about how his experiences as a physician and state health commissioner make him uniquely qualified to lead the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Myers also received an endorsement from the Indiana AFL-CIO. 

Cloud of Suspicion Darkens Over Parson’s Ties to Jefferson City Insider Steve Tilley
GOP Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s re-election campaign has been overshadowed by investigations into his administration’s rampant corruption. 
First, the FBI questioned one of his closest advisors regarding multi-million dollar contracts. Then, members of his own party demanded an investigation into Parson’s inner circle surrounding decisions made on the state’s medical marijuana program. As the general election nears, revelations surrounding Parson’s corrupt administration just keep on coming.
The Kansas City Star dug deeper into the Parson administration’s relationship with medical marijuana lobbyist Steve Tilley, Parson’s long-time friend and adviser. While other Missourians tried and failed to navigate the complex application process for a medical marijuana license, Tilley received special treatment for over a dozen clients involved in the medical marijuana industry.
This isn’t the first time Parson’s relationship with Tilley has been the subject of scrutiny. For years, Missourians have been questioning Parson’s close relationship with Tilley and why Tilley’s client list has more than tripled since Parson became governor.

Every State, Every Vote: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Signs Bill Increasing Funding For Absentee Ballot Measures
Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed the Bipartisan Elections Act of 2020 into law, ensuring all North Carolina voters will have the opportunity to safely cast their vote during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill provides $27 million for sufficient equipment, upgraded security, and increased infrastructure for the expected spike in absentee ballots.
The new law also allows some absentee ballot processing to be done online and reduces the number of required absentee witnesses from two to one. These efforts will help streamline the absentee ballot process for voters at higher risk of developing complications from the coronavirus.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on NBC’s Today Show, participating in a live interview on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, which reopened this week.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on MSNBC’s Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision to ban discrimination against LGBTQ workers. Gov. Brown, the first openly LGBTQ governor to be elected, said: “No one should live in fear that they are going to lose their job because of who they are or who they love.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on MSNBC with Chris Hayes, discussing her state’s response to the horrific shooting of a protestor at a statue demonstration, as well as her goals for a special legislative session on police reform.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on The Late Late Show with James Corden, explaining how his children have been cutting his hair (and charging him for it), and discussing the takeaways from his listening tour on police reform and social justice.



“It’s time we elevate this. Not just a celebration by and for some Virginians but one acknowledged and celebrated by all of us.”


“There is no reason right now to be alarmed.”
Who said it? Send your answer to press@dga.net and we’ll reveal the answer in the next Weekender!
If you guessed GOP New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu last week, you were right! Sununu announced wedding receptions can resume in his state, and when asked if dancing would be banned, he joked: “There will be no funky chicken.” That’s ok – I don’t think anyone wants to see Sununu do the funky chicken anyway.