By Douglas Ernst - The Washington Times - Tuesday, December 18, 2018

The “Draft Beto” movement for 2020 has arrived.

A group of “passionate and experienced Democratic activists” launched an organization on Tuesday with the sole aim of convincing Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas to enter the 2020 presidential election ring. Their goal is to raise $1 million to prove that grassroots support for him is strong.

“The comparisons to JFK and even Obama exist for a reason. Beto’s the real deal. His ability to inspire and connect with voters is unparalleled, even among such strong field of presidential contenders,” Nate Lerner, co-founder of Draft Beto and head of its grassroots team, said in a statement. “The energy we’re seeing this early is absolutely unprecedented as well.”

Mr. O’Rourke’s bid to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz during the midterm elections fell short, although he did capture 48 percent of the vote.

Supporters say Mr. O’Rourke will fare better on the national stage.

“America deserves leaders that will work to unite our country based on our shared values of freedom and equality for all,” Draft Beto Co-Founder Misha Collins said in a statement. “We need a president that will be transparent and accountable; one who will fight to restore integrity to Washington and hope to our nation. I believe Beto O’Rourke embodies these values and can help lead the way to a brighter future for all.”

SEE ALSO: Kamala Harris, Beto mania, and Oprah fill Hollywood women’s 2020 ‘dream’ ticket survey

Draft Beto’s launch comes in the wake of a survey by The Hollywood Reporter, which found support for Mr. O’Rourke strong among the industry’s female power players.

Some of the Hollywood insiders who would back the Texan include:

  • Nicole Clemens, president, Paramount TV.
  • Victoria Alonso, executive VP physical and postproduction, Marvel Studios.
  • Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive VP, and head of programming, A&E.
  • Tracey Jacobs, board member, partner, talent agent, UTA.
  • Nina Rosenstein, executive VP programming, HBO.
  • Blair Rich, president of worldwide marketing, Warner Bros.

Draft Beto says “every single dollar” raised will be placed into an escrow account and immediately transferred to Mr. O’Rourke’s campaign if he decides to run.

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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