Praise for Selection of Walz as Harris’s VP Running Mate

Shore Progress • August 13, 2024

Shore Progress (formerly known as the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus) enthusiastically welcomes Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris’s vice presidential running mate. Walz, the current governor of Minnesota, brings an impressive array of experience and achievements that resonate deeply with Eastern Shore values and aspirations.

As a Command Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, Walz's dedication to service and leadership is unquestionable. His 17-year tenure as a teacher underscores his commitment to education and our children's future. Walz's track record as governor highlights his capability to enact meaningful change and advance progressive policies that improve lives.

Major Achievements of Tim Walz:

Universal free school lunches: Ensuring that every child receives a nutritious meal, contributing to better learning outcomes and health.

Universal background checks on firearm sales: Strengthening safety and security by implementing comprehensive checks.

Legalization of recreational marijuana: Promoting personal freedom and economic growth through sensible drug policy reform.

Enshrined abortion rights in law: Protecting women's health and reproductive rights in a landmark legislative move.

Expanded access to pre-kindergarten: Investing in early childhood education to give every child a strong start.

Major investments in summer learning programs: Enhancing educational opportunities and reducing learning loss during the summer months.

Paid medical and family leave: Supporting working families by providing essential leave benefits for medical and family needs.

Tim Walz's background as a non-Ivy League, blue-collar Midwesterner and his roots in a rural community mirror our own experiences and challenges. His life and career exemplify the values of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving the common good.

"Tim Walz is an everyday guy like us," said Jared Schablein, Chair of Shore Progress. "He understands the struggles and aspirations of rural communities. His selection as Kamala Harris's running mate ensures that our voices will be heard and our needs addressed. Walz's progressive leadership aligns perfectly with our mission and values, especially in areas like childcare, child poverty, and labor rights."

Walz stands out as the most progressive vice presidential choice among the finalists. His proven ability to get things done makes him the ideal partner for Kamala Harris. His selection signals a strong commitment to advancing policies supporting working families, protecting rights, and promoting economic and social justice.

Shore Progress is excited about the future and looks forward to working towards a brighter, more equitable America with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at the helm. Together, we will continue championing the causes that matter most to our community and ensuring a better future for all.

Shore Progress is an organization that fights for economic, social, and environmental justice. Its goal is to work on the local level to bring about positive change for the underserved and underprivileged. Its mission is to identify, recruit, and elect progressive candidates, and to promote labor and progressive issues.

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