Jesse Kelly Reaches ‘Contender’ Status

Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Jesse Kelly (AZ-08) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Kelly now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District. His opponent is incumbent Gabby Giffords, an out-of-touch Democrat who has repeatedly supported her party’s runaway spending spree which has led to unprecedented debt and unacceptably high unemployment in Arizona.

Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Kelly has already demonstrated his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.

“Jesse Kelly has met a series of rigorous fundraising and campaign goals that will go a long way in helping to put this seat in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Jesse is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. The success of his campaign has put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”

Republican nominee Jesse Kelly has a proven track record as a leader, having served in the United States Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He currently works as a project manager, running multi-million dollar infrastructure projects for his family’s construction business. In addition to his efforts in defending American freedoms and creating jobs in his local community, Jesse and his wife Aubrey are proud parents of their two sons, James and Luke.

Kelly now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.

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