Davis names key people for governor’s race

Published 1:33 pm Monday, April 6, 2009

Congressman Artur Davis today announced today that some of the best campaign talent in the nation will join his 2010 campaign. Jessica Vanden Berg of Maverick Strategies has joined the campaign as a strategist and will take over the reigns as campaign manager later in the year. Davis also announced that PJ McCann and Ami Copeland of New Partners Inc. have come aboard as his national fundraising consultants.

“I am excited that I have attracted one of the best operatives in the country to manage my campaign. Jessica managed Jim Webb’s campaign for the US Senate in Virginia, has been a senior advisor to General Wes Clark since he ran for President and played a vital role in North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue’s election in 2008. Not only does she know how to win in the South, she is a seasoned veteran who knows how to handle high profile national races. Her experience will compliment my Alabama team,” said Davis.

Vanden Berg’s firm, Maverick Strategies, will handle all of the campaign’s direct mail and has been an integral part of the success of campaigns like Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, Governor Beverly Perdue of North Carolina and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

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PJ McCann and Ami Copeland have joined the Davis campaign as national fundraising consultants.

For 18 years, PJ McCann has offered strategic guidance to the private sector, non-profits, and political campaigns. McCann previously led the fundraising operation of Barack Obama’s Committee for Change, raising an incredible $20 million for campaign operations in battleground states. She was also a key advisor to the congressional campaign of Tom Perriello, who shocked political observers by unseating a six-term incumbent in Virginia in 2008.

Ami Copeland was Deputy National Finance Director for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and Senior Finance Advisor to the Democratic National Committee. He participated in nearly every aspect of the Obama for America Finance Department, a team that shattered national fundraising records. Copleand served as Finance Director for Senator Bill Nelson of Florida during his successful reelection campaign in 2005-2006. Copeland also served in the Israeli Defense Forces from July of 93 – November of 95.

“Ami and PJ are the best national fundraising consultants in America right now. They have the experience and national network it will take to raise millions for my 2010 campaign. I am honored to have them join my team,” said Davis.

The new additions will join two veterans of Davis’ campaigns. John Anzalone of Anzalone-List Research will handle polling and Ben Chao of Chao Strategy Message & Media, will serve as the campaign’s media consultant.