to make a pitch for
Say or do something in support of someone or something. This expression originally alluded to an inflated sales talk that was "pitched" (in the sense of "thrown") at the listener.
From: dictionary.com
Link to present incidents:
Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande are making their final pitch for votes in one of the most dramatic elections in recent French history. BBC.co.uk,May 4