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BARVE ENDORSED BY LGBT LEADER

House Majority Leader Kaiser Supports Congessional Bid

Rockville, MD, October 14, 2015 - Delegate Kumar Barve won the endorsement today of Maryland House of Delegates Majority Leader Anne Kaiser, a leading voice in the LGBT community. Barve is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives 8th District seat currently held by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who is running for the Senate.

"For more than 20 years, Kumar Barve has been the reasonable, progressive voice voters have trusted to protect the environment, promote our shared values, and champion our causes. As Majority Leader, Kumar Barve was instrumental in the passage of marriage equality legislation. That is why I encourage you to join me and support him as he runs for Congress," said Majority Leader Kaiser.

Delegate Kaiser represents Montgomery County's 14th Legislative District in the House of Delegates. Barve has also been endorsed by Dels. Eric Luedtke and Craig Zucker, Kaiser's colleagues in the 14th District delegation. There are 10 14th Legislative District voting precincts in the 8th Congressional District.

"I am thrilled to receive the support of Majority Leader Anne Kaiser, a respected leader in the legislature and a trailblazer in the community on women's rights and LGBT rights, said Barve, who served as Treasurer of Maryland NARAL prior to election to public office. "We have worked closely together for many years on number of progressive initiatives including marriage equality", added Barve.

"Anne and I share the same values and have worked throughout our careers to give voice to those who had not previously been included government decision making and to ensure that our political leadership reflects the composition of the people that they serve", continued Barve.

Delegate Kaiser succeeded Barve as House Majority Leader in January of this year when Barve assumed the Chairmanship of the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Barve had served as House Majority Leader under Speaker Mike Busch for twelve years, from 2002-2015. Barve has also been endorsed by his predecessor as House Majority Leader, former Delegate John Hurson, who represented Montgomery County's 18th Legislative District and served as Majority Leader from 1995 until being succeeded by Barve.

Barve's Congressional campaign is also supported by Maryland House Speaker Mike Busch and his predecessors, former Speakers Clayton Mitchell and Cas Taylor, representing the span of House Leaders throughout Barve's career in the House of Delegates.