In case you’re in the market for a few juicy morsels of news as you dig into some leftovers, here’s a batch of headlines, updates, and endorsements from Peter’s first week as a candidate for U.S. Senate:

Welch for Vermont

Hello,

We hope you had a great, restful Thanksgiving! In case you’re in the market for a few morsels of news as you dig into some leftovers, here’s a batch of headlines, updates, and endorsements from Peter’s first week as a candidate for U.S. Senate:

Seven Days: Welch Announces He'll Run for Leahy's Senate Seat

"Monday afternoon, Welch, who had helped Leahy in his first run for Senate in 1974, said he was one of many Vermonters who had hoped the powerful Senator would run again. But when Leahy announced he'd retire, Welch decided the issues he cared about were too urgent to leave to chance.

"'This is a critical moment, both for democracy and for the direction of our country,' Welch said. 'We need effectiveness now. We can’t wait about addressing climate change. We can’t wait for addressing the challenges that working families face. We can’t wait to defend our democracy.'"

Vermont Digger: Welch launches campaign to replace Leahy in the US Senate

"If Republicans successfully flip the Senate, [Peter Welch] said, big-ticket Democratic policy priorities such as climate change mitigation, tax reform, voting rights legislation and abortion access are off the table.

"'All of these things are very much in the balance as to whether or not we have a 50-50 Senate or maintain a progressive Democratic voice in the U.S. Senate for Vermont,' he said."

Addison County Independent: Welch Launches Campaign to Replace Leahy

"Every Vermonter, whether they’re running for public office, or they’re serving in the local selectboard, has to make a decision: How can I help? How can I help heal our country? How can I help save our democracy?

"Everybody’s invited to that and everybody has to make their own individual decision, regardless of who they are, and where they are,” he continued. “I’ve made a decision that’s based on my life circumstances. It’s based on the fact that I’ve been a very effective member of Congress, and it’s also based on the urgency of the moment. … And that is, given my experience, given my success in getting in the hard fights and winning, that I believe I can best serve by being a candidate for U.S. Senate."

Tweet from Karen Bass that says: Pete is one of the most effective leaders in the House, knows how to get things done for working families and has been a great partner in the fight for racial justice. He knows how to fight and knows how to win. That's why I support Peter Welch for Senate

Tweet from Ro Khanna that says: Peter Welch is one of the best members of Congress and someone I admire. He has proven himself to be an effective progressive fighter in the House. Peter understands the urgency of this moment and will be a strong pregressive voice for working Americans in the Senate on Day One.

Tweet from Raja Krishnamoorthi that says: Proud to strong support my very good friend Peter Welch to serve as Vermont's next U.S. Senator. Serving alongside him on the Intel Committee, I know he will fight hard for our democracy and for working families in America

Tweet from Bill McKibben that says: Vermont is lucky to have Peter Welch willing to serve. He loves Fermont and understands DC, and that's a good combinations. A deeply decent human being.

Post from Bernie Sanders that says: Peter Welch understands that if we are going to combat the existential threat of climate change, establish universal health care, lower the cost of prescription drugs, create good paying jobs in Vermont and protect American democracy, now is the time to think big, not small.

Tweet from Sarah George that says: I don't buy into the rhetoric that a seat is only "open" if the incumbent doesn't run, nor the theory that our Senate seat should automatically go to our congressperson. I'm supporting Peter Welch for Senate because I believe he is who we need in that seat right now. Period.

Tweet from Adam Schiff that says: Peter Welch is going to be a great Senator. Peter has served on the Intel Committee for years, and he's one of the best and brightest in the House. Vermont knows Peter. And Peter knows Vermont. And he's a superb choice to be Vermont's next Senator. He has my full support!

And we are just getting started!

Thank you for everything you’ve done to work alongside Peter and get this campaign off to a strong start.

We’re building the foundation for victory next year — and supporters like you make this whole campaign possible. If you can, please pitch in to help keep up the momentum.

You’re the best,

Team Welch