Cites
national leaders who support his experience, qualifications to be Governor
"It’s
unfortunate that Mayor Taveras has chosen to make this race for Governor about
my resume, instead of his ideas for our state.
"I’m
proud of my experience, and I’m grateful that leaders who I respect and admire,
such as the former National Security Advisor to the President of the United
States, the former Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, and the
former Under Secretary of Education of the United States, have chosen to speak
out on my behalf.
"The
Mayor’s ads are a return to old politics that he once disavowed as a candidate
for office. His attacks against me are an attempt to distort my record, not
inform the public about my real experience.
"The
leaders I worked with know first hand about my experience in the Coast Guard,
at the White House, and at the Department of Education. Their statements speak
for themselves about my qualifications to lead our state.
"And
that includes the time I spent with our embassy at Bandar Seri Begawan, in
Brunei, when I was a student at Harvard working as an intern in the United
States Department of State, and my work as a graduate fellow at the CIA.
"One
of the reasons I proposed the Hope Internship Program, which will provide every
public high school student in Rhode Island the opportunity for a career
training internship, is because I understand how internship experience can open
doors for a young person – whether they are in high school or college.
"Until
we have new leaders, who reject the old negative politics of distortion, and
are free of the undue influence that special interest money buys in campaigns,
we will not be able to change course in Rhode Island.
"I
am the only candidate for Governor who has refused to run negative ads in the
Democratic Primary, and refused to accept contributions from PACs and state
lobbyists.
"I
am confident, based on my experience and real plan, that I can help Rhode
Island get back on track and make our state ready for tomorrow.
"I
hope my opponents will join me for the next two weeks by giving Rhode Islanders
a campaign of ideas, not insults and attacks. Our state deserves it."
Below
are statements attesting to Clay's experience and capacity for leadership from
his time in the Coast Guard, at the White House, and the Department of
Education:
Vice
Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara, former Vice Commandant of the United States Coast
Guard:
"As
the 27th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, I was second in
command and oversaw the daily operation of our nation's oldest seagoing
service. Lieutenant Pell and I first became acquainted when he served as my
interpreter for meetings with my counterparts from the People's Republic of
China. His unique language skills -- including his mastery of Mandarin -- and
his experience in the Asia Pacific region were invaluable to the overall
success of this high-level visit.
"Afterward,
with continued opportunities to work together, I got to know Clay well as he
quickly progressed in his career. I watched with pride as he distinguished
himself with remarkable dedication, honor and integrity, first as a prosecutor
and then as director for strategic planning on President Obama's national
security team.
"At
the White House, Clay brought great credit to the Service, providing important
leadership on the President's national security priorities. Our Nation was
fortunate to have such a capable individual in the White House Situation Room.
The people of Rhode Island would be equally well served to have Clay Pell as
their next governor."
Thomas
E. Donilon, former National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama:
“Throughout
my time as President Obama’s National Security Advisor, I had the privilege of
working with many talented and dedicated members of our armed forces. Clay Pell
stands out among them.
“Clay
joined the NSC as director for strategic planning and, as is set forth in his
citation for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, ‘He coordinated the
development of multiple Presidential Policy Directives, significantly advancing
the President’s policies on key strategic challenges and
opportunities.’
“My
colleagues and I on President Obama’s national security staff were fortunate to
work with someone as tenacious, intelligent, and broad gauged as Clay Pell.
Clay is disciplined and dedicated. He has a tremendous commitment to public
service and is a person of the highest integrity. His abilities, experience,
and service in the Obama Administration have prepared him to lead. And, as a
native Rhode Islander, I know the people of the Ocean State will be well-served
to choose him as their next governor.”
Dr.
Martha J. Kanter, former Under Secretary of Education:
"Clay
Pell is a tireless, straightforward advocate for education, and has been long
before President Obama appointed him to lead our nation's world language
programs. I first became acquainted with Clay through his advocacy for K-12,
higher education and Pell grants. I was thrilled when he joined our team at the
U.S. Department of Education. Clay's powerful combination of integrity,
intelligence, language skills, national and international security experience,
and education background enabled him to be a uniquely effective leader on these
issues for our nation.
"Clay
was a tremendous leader and contributor to the Administration -- both at the White
House and at the U.S. Department of Education. I was continually impressed with
his commitment to public service. When he told me he wanted to return home to
Rhode Island and to consider running for governor, I was sad we would lose his
knowledge, skills, honesty and passion in the short term, but I knew what a
positive impact he could have for Rhode Island's citizens -- especially in the
area of education."