June 4, 2015

Clarence Tong Received Endorsement from Retired Navy Admiral & Former Congressman Joe Sestak

Alexandria, VA – Clarence Tong, candidate for the 45th House of Delegates District, was endorsed today by retired Navy Admiral and former Congressman Joe Sestak, who served President Clinton as Director of Defense Policy in the National Security Council.

Tong’s relationship with Admiral Sestak dates back to 2006, where he served as a close campaign aide during Sestak’s victorious congressional campaign defeating a 10-term Republican incumbent. Clarence joined Congressman Sestak’s staff on Capitol Hill from 2007-2008, serving in a range of positions including Policy Director and Communications Director. During this time, Tong worked with Congressman Sestak on important legislation, such as the reauthorization of the federal Head Start program and worked on a broad domestic issue portfolio from health care and education to economic development to energy and the environment.

“Today I am proud to endorse Clarence Tong for the Virginia House of Delegates,” said Ret. Admiral Sestak. “Clarence is a dedicated public servant, and his diligence and intelligence will serve the 45th District well in Richmond. While a member of my staff on Capitol Hill, Clarence developed a strong knowledge of the legislative mechanisms and the budget, which is necessary to advocate for, and pass, key policy priorities. He is also someone who brings people together to solve problems. In Richmond, I am confident that his work ethic and progressive values will be an invaluable asset to the Democratic Caucus as they work to expand Medicaid and tackle other important issues facing Virginia.”

“It is a great honor to earn the endorsement of my former boss retired Navy Admiral and Former Congressman Joe Sestak.” said Clarence Tong. “While in Congress, Admiral Sestak worked tirelessly to represent each and every one of his constituents, which inspired me to fight to give every Virginian a fair shot to succeed in life. In Richmond, I will use my skillset as a legislative advocate to expand Medicaid, fight to keep costs down at our 15 great public colleges and universities, and expand economic opportunity by advocating for a clean energy future for Virginia.”

Mr. Tong, a Legislative Affairs Manager at the Environmental Defense Fund, currently serves as the Chair of the Alexandria Democratic Committee, as a member of the city’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, and on the board of the North Old Town Independent Citizens Association. He was a staffer on Capitol Hill and recently served as an Obama Administration appointee at the Department of Energy. Earlier this year, Clarence was appointed by Governor McAuliffe to serve on the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission.

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