Steve Grossman, big fundraiser, takes on new role in Pete Buttigieg campaign

Pete Buttigieg has tapped former state treasurer Steve Grossman as one of his three campaign co-chairs in Massachusetts, elevating the role of the prolific fundraiser as the race for the Democratic presidential nomination hurtles toward Super Tuesday.

Grossman, a former Democratic National Committee chairman, endorsed Buttigieg last April and has been active with his campaign since. He will join state Sen. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, and state Rep. Maria Robinson, D-Framingham, in leading the former South Bend, Ind., mayor’s outreach efforts in Massachusetts, the campaign announced Wednesday.

“I believe Pete is the candidate who can win back Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania to put together the broad coalition needed to defeat Donald Trump in November,” Grossman said in a statement. “I’ve known Pete for years and I’ve seen firsthand what an authentic, down-to-earth, and intelligent person he is — all qualities we are desperately missing in the White House.”

Strategists say Grossman represents a fundraising boon for Buttigieg’s team in Massachusetts and beyond.

“Steve Grossman is an establishment guy. He’s really well liked and respected. He’s also an incredible fundraiser, and I think if Buttigieg has had a real sort of dent in Massachusetts, he’s done very well in fundraising,” said Democratic strategist Scott Ferson.

Buttigieg has already raised millions of dollars in Massachusetts over the course of his presidential bid, and has visited the state several times for fundraisers hosted by major players including Bryan Rafanelli, a former Hillary Clinton supporter. Grossman also organized for the former secretary of state’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Beyond campaign cash, strategists say Grossman’s name alone carries weight in Democratic circles around the country.

“Grossman was chair of both the Massachusetts and national Democratic parties. He is a successful businessman and a well-known fundraiser,” said Democratic strategist Dan Payne. “His willingness and ability to raise major dollars means the candidate is serious.”

Buttigieg heads into the March 3 primary here having finished a close second to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in neighboring New Hampshire on Feb. 11. He notched a narrow victory over Sanders in Iowa.

His campaign is one of several ramping up efforts here ahead of Super Tuesday. Operatives and supporters of several Democratic presidential campaigns have told the Herald they see Massachusetts as more “in play” due to home-state U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s poor showings thus far.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2HDkF9h