Democrat Bobby Kaple unveiled several high-profile endorsements Tuesday as he tried to consolidate his party's support for his bid for Georgia's 6th District.
Former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, ex-U.S. Rep. Buddy Darden, Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson and state Sen. Elena Parent were among the politicians who backed Kaple days after Jon Ossoff announced he wouldn’t make a comeback bid.
Kaple, a former newscaster, is trying to position himself as the Democratic favorite in the race to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Karen Handel. But he must first win a contested primary featuring businessman Kevin Abel.
Kaple’s campaign hopes the endorsements send the message that he’s the party’s go-to for the suburban Atlanta seat. Darden called him a “rising star” while Parent said he will “protect a woman’s right to choose and the family values we hold dear.”
And Cleland said Kaple will “fight tooth and nail” for the residents of the district, which stretches from east Cobb to north DeKalb.
"I've seen the dysfunction in Washington up close, and I know that Bobby can cut right through it," said Cleland.
Ossoff said Friday he would sit out the November race for the 6th District, adding that he'll "be actively supporting Democratic candidates and staying engaged on key issues." He did not endorse any candidate in the contest.
Ossoff shattered records by raising nearly $30 million for the special election last year, ultimately losing to Handel by about 4 percentage points in a race that was viewed nationally as an early barometer for Democratic success in conservative-leaning districts in the Donald Trump era.
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