Blue Dog PAC: Conservative Democrats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2011

Contact: Andrew Whalen 

Washington, D.C. – The Blue Dog PAC today announced that it has hired Andrew Whalen to manage its political operation for the 2012 election cycle. Whalen will oversee the recruitment and endorsement of candidates for the Blue Dogs, while also expanding national grassroots communications. 

“The bitter partisan divide in Congress has left most Americans without a voice in their government,” said Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT), Co-Chair of the Blue Dog PAC. “As the extremes on the right and the left fight for their own interests, the interests of the American people are being left behind. With this expanded operation, Blue Dogs will be better equipped to end that bitter partisan divide by recruiting, endorsing, and supporting candidates in the 2012 election who are committed to fiscal responsibility, everyday American values, and commonsense measures that help businesses grow.” 

The expanded Blue Dog political operation will also communicate the Blue Dog’s message directly to voters across the country through an expanded use of the traditional and new media outlets. 

“Partisan talking heads shouting at one another on cable TV may be entertaining to some people, but the majority of Americans are looking for honesty and straightforward talk from their elected officials,” said Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Blue Dog PAC. “As our nation stands at this crucial fiscal crossroads, the Blue Dogs are going to communicate directly with the American people about the choices before us and the steps we must take to create jobs and secure our long-term economic security.” 

Whalen previously served as a Senior Advisor to Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC) and oversaw his leadership PAC. He also served as Executive Director of the North Carolina Democratic Party through the 2010 election, helping re-elect seven Members of Congress in the state despite the difficult election climate, including Shuler and fellow Blue Dog Mike McIntyre. 

“I am thrilled to have Andrew in this position with the Blue Dogs as we move toward the 2012 elections,” said Rep. Heath Shuler, who serves as the Administration Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition. “He will be an invaluable resource not just to my re-election efforts, but to all the Blue Dogs running across the country. He knows how to communicate with voters and win in the tough districts Blue Dogs represent. I could not be more excited to have him working for the entire Blue Dog Coalition in this new capacity.” 

“I am honored to have the chance to continue working on behalf of the Blue Dogs and excited about the opportunities ahead,” Whalen said. “There are millions of Americans who are tired of the endless partisan bickering from the fringes of both parties and want Congress to get busy moving our country forward. Through the Blue Dogs, we are going to let their voices be heard.”

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