State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, in her capacity as chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, released the following statement, officially announcing the speaker for this year’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on Saturday, July 25:

“It is with tremendous enthusiasm and excitement that I announce U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar as our keynote speaker!

Sen. Klobuchar is a tireless champion of Democratic ideals and principles. First elected in 2006, she is the first woman elected to represent Minnesota in the US Senate, and is one of 20 women currently serving in that body. As a rising national star, you’ve probably seen her appearances on many news programs, and her name often pops up on lists of women most likely to become President or be appointed to the Supreme Court. You can learn more about her here.

Sen. Klobuchar has a successful history of reaching across party lines and working with Republicans to get things done, all while promoting and standing firm in her Democratic beliefs. With the way Jindal and the current stubborn Republican leadership try to run this state, Louisiana Democrats can certainly benefit from hearing Sen. Klobuchar’s message and work hard to engage voters and supporters with that same message this fall. We have the opportunity to elect Rep. John Bel EdwardsProf. Chris Tyson, and many other great Democratic candidates this year, and Sen. Klobuchar is committed to helping us climb that path to victory!

It’s also touching that she is a dear friend of Sen. Landrieu’s, and both senators couldn’t be happier to be with each other again at this year’s dinner —  as you know, we’ll be honoring Sen. Landrieu for her decades of service to our state that evening.

Sen. Klobuchar is a role model and inspiration to me and all public servants who are striving to support the middle class and improve the American way of life. I’m honored to call her a friend, and even more thrilled to show her a good time in Louisiana.”

Click here for more information about the J-J Dinner and to purchase tickets!