Kip Tew, Indiana Chairman of Obama for America, Endorses Melina Kennedy

November 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721

Indianapolis--Today, Kip Tew, Chairman of President Barack Obama’s Indiana campaign and former Indiana and Marion County Democratic Party Chairman, endorsed Melina Kennedy. Kennedy said Tew's endorsement and involvement is key, coming off the heels of guiding one of the most historic presidential campaigns in Indiana history.

“I was also considering running for Mayor myself, but after months of meetings, listening to folks, and watching Melina's work ethic and ability on the campaign trail, I decided she is the best candidate for our party at this time,” Tew said. “Melina is an experienced job-creator, she is passionate about all of our families’ futures, and her vision of an Indianapolis that reaches higher is something--as a father--I believe in.”

“I spent months working with Kip on President Obama’s campaign and watched his work produce tremendous results. His endorsement of my candidacy is a great boost to my campaign. Campaigns are tough, and Kip's willingness to stand with me and work together means a lot,” Kennedy said.

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Melina Kennedy recently formed an exploratory committee for the Office of Mayor of Indianapolis. As Deputy Mayor for Indianapolis under Mayor Bart Peterson, she was recognized for her efforts in job creation and economic development, including securing hundreds of new jobs at the vacant United Airlines airport facility, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Lawrence, numerous urban redevelopment projects like the Keystone Enterprise Park in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and helping launch long term strategic job creation initiatives like BioCrossroads.

Melina and her husband, Bob Kennedy, Olympic and former Indiana University distance runner, started a small business in 2001 that now consists of four running and walking specialty stores in the Central Indiana region. Melina supports a number of community organizations in leadership roles, including: President of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society board of directors; co-chair of the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative; Board member of Dress for Success; President of the Legacy House board of directors; and numerous other organizations. Melina and Bob are the proud parents of a son and daughter.