Amazing Endorsements!
General Wesley Clark
A written endorsement of General Wesley Clark, Ret., Rhodes Scholar, former Supreme Alied Commander for N.A.T.O. and Candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2004.
Jay McGovern has earned my endorsement for Congress in Florida's District 4. He has a track record of superior performance for our country as a Naval Officer during the last 25 years, I am confident he will continue that same superior performance for North Florida as their representative in Congress.
Four times a commanding officer, including command of a Navy Helicopter Squadron he understands the burden of leadership. Mobilized in March 2004, Jay performed magnificently first as US Naval Forces Central Command, Director of the Battle Watch Center and later as Deputy for Operations during combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War of Terror (GWOT). He leveraged powerful leadership and operational experience to mold a group of novice staff officers on short tours of duty into an effective, capable and focused team. A strategic thinker, Jay was hand picked to represent the Operations Directorate during staff talks and operational planning meetings with regional nations. He was the senior representative in Jeddah Saudi Arabia for talks with the West Fleet, the first such engagement in over five years. This experience will serve him well on Capitol Hill.
As an engineer, Jay McGovern will bring to Washington relevant experience to move America away from its dangerous dependence on oil. On his horse farm in West Jacksonville, he operates his own bio-diesel plant. He understands, from first hand experience, the challenges small businesses face in today's uncertain economic environment. He is has a big picture view yet can drill down to the working level - he is a problem solver. Electing Jay McGovern is in the best interest of North Floridians and our nation.
Esquire Magazine
Everyone is endorsing Jay even Esquire Magazine!
Official Press Release.
"Crenshaw, our pick in '06, has tossed his principles overboard in favor of election-year expediency. Offshore drilling won't increase our national security. Electing a veteran who understands that "diplomacy is not appeasement" will."
Organizations that like Jay....
Florida AFL-CIO
North Florida Building and Construction Trades Council
- SHEETMETAL WORKERS LOCAL 435
- HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LU 13
- MILLWRIGHTS LOCAL 2411
- OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 673
- BOILERMAKERS LOCAL 199
- BRICKLAYERS LOCAL 1
- PAINTERS DISTRICT COUNCIL 78/164
- ELECTRICIANS LOCAL 177
- CEMENT MASONS & PLASTERERS LOCAL 148/401
- ELECTRICIANS LOCAL 1205
- PLUMBERS & STEAMFITTERS #234
- ELEVATORS LOCAL 49
- IRONWORKERS LOCAL 597
- SPRINKLER FITTERS LOCAL 821
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
American Federation of Teachers
VETPAC
Council for a Livable World
Veterans and Military Families for Progress - VMFP (Press Release)
What People have said....
Paul Burke
"I worked with CAPT Jay McGovern in the Navy's Fifth Fleet Operations Center in the Persian Gulf. He was the Deputy to "N3". N3 in the Navy, is the Operations Department - where the rubber hits the road. The deputy is a key role - the right hand of the Operations Chief, an absolutely critical role in Navy Operations. Jay's unusual talent placed him in this role and he performed it exceptionally well. I'm not sure alot of folks knew (or cared) that Jay was a Reservist - he was performing as if he'd been in the Command for years as a key player. His ability to integrate the requirements and needs of an unusually diverse group of players (Coalition partners, different branches of service, different personalities, different goals, etc...), with highly successful outcomes was a trademark of his time as the Deputy. To people on the watchfloor, his self-effacing leadership style and timely sense of humor meant alot. He commanded respect because he gave respect - to everyone. When Jay left the command, attitudes, performance and efficiencies were significantly better than when he arrived, with a lasting, positive effect. I can't imagine a better leader - independent in thought and experience, caring, dedicated to his country and able to find balance and achieve remarkable results."
David Nichols, Vice Admiral USN(ret.)
Former Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
I was excited to hear Jay McGovern was seeking to represent Florida's 4th Congressional District. Beginning in March 2004 in my headquarters in the Middle East, Jay performed magnificently as Director of my Battle Watch Center and Deputy Operations Officer for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and counterterrorism operations across the region. He leveraged powerful leadership and operational experience to mold a group of young officers and sailors into a capable and focused team. Jay was hand picked to lead in a strategic planning effort that helped shape how our nation approaches the war against violent extremists. This experience will serve him well as a Congressman. America needs a new generation of leaders to help solve our problems; I count Jay among those leaders.
John J. Waickwicz, Rear Admiral USN(ret.)
Jay McGovern has earned my endorsement in his quest to represent Florida's 4th Congressional District. Jay was an instructor pilot and department head in the largest helicopter squadron in the United States Navy. Within that squadron, I ranked him #1 of 11 Lieutenant Commanders under my command. He is a recognized leader in our community. It comes as no surprise he has risen to the rank of Captain and has commanded three times. Jay has an innate sense of leadership and keen foresight. He responds to rapidly changing circumstances with common sense and hard work. Jay has a global perspective and an ability to understand what that means locally. He'll make a great Congressman!