U.S. Rep. Cooper endorses Dean for governor

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Nashville) is endorsing former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean’s bid for governor.

Cooper joins fellow U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) and former U.S. Reps. Lincoln Davis and Bob Clement in giving the nod to Dean’s bid against state House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

“Karl Dean was a great Mayor. Successful mayors have what it takes to get things done for the whole state as Governor. He is committed to healthcare, jobs, and education for ALL Tennesseans, and I’m proud to endorse him,” Cooper said in a release.

Here’s the full release:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Today, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper of Nashville officially announced his endorsement for Karl Dean for Governor, joining other Tennessee Democrats, U.S. Rep. Steven Cohen of Memphis and former U.S. Reps. Lincoln Davis and Bob Clement.

Rep. Cooper will speak at a Get Out the Vote event with Dean’s campaign tomorrow night, July 31 at 5:15 p.m. at Craft Brewed in Nashville, 2502 8th Ave. S.

“Karl Dean was a great Mayor. Successful mayors have what it takes to get things done for the whole state as Governor. He is committed to healthcare, jobs, and education for ALL Tennesseans, and I’m proud to endorse him,” Rep. Cooper said.

Rep. Cooper has a record of seeking bipartisan solutions as one of the only moderate voices of reason in the deeply divided U.S. Congress. He is also known for his work on the federal budget, health care and government reform.

“Congressman Cooper was a tremendous partner and ally when I served as mayor of Nashville. We worked together on critical issues, such as making sure Nashville received adequate federal support after the devastating 2010 flood. He is an advocate for people, not politics and that’s why we’re well aligned in our leadership styles. It’s a privilege to receive his support in this campaign,” Dean said.

“We have a number of proven, effective leaders supporting our campaign because they see that same trait in Karl,” said Courtney Wheeler, Dean’s campaign manager. “Our campaign momentum is growing at a rapid pace and we’re excited to put all of that energy into turning out votes on Thursday.”