Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon endorses Michael Bloomberg for president
Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Sunday endorsed Michael Bloomberg for president ahead of the state’s March 10 primary, Bloomberg’s campaign said.
Nixon commended the former New York City mayor’s record on climate and noted his plans to find “real and lasting solutions” to clean energy, aging infrastructure and economic opportunity, Bloomberg’s campaign said in a news release.
“After viewing his impressive record and talking with him it is clear to me that Mike has the integrity, competence, compassion and capacity to lead our nation,” Nixon said in a statement. “His can-do attitude and pragmatic approach will connect with Missourians.”
Bloomberg’s campaign manager, Kevin Sheekey, said they were honored to have Nixon’s support.
“He’s an environmentalist who recognizes the dangers posed not just by climate change but by those who deny it, like Donald Trump,” Sheekey said in the news release.
Bloomberg, 78, joined the 2020 presidential race three months ago. He hopes his $60 billion fortune will help carry him to the Democratic nomination.
In Missouri, Bloomberg’s campaign has hired nearly 50 staff members and opened five offices. He has spent more than $9 million on broadcast, cable and radio spots in the state.
Nixon served four terms as Missouri attorney general before he was elected as governor twice. He won each of his gubernatorial campaigns by double digits and was at one point floated as a potential vice presidential candidate for 2016.
But Nixon’s standing among some Democratic activists was damaged after the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown, which led to weeks of protests in Ferguson. Nixon was criticized at the time for his slow response to the unrest.
The Star’s Bryan Lowry contributed to this report.
This story was originally published February 23, 2020 at 8:24 PM.
