Jim Dean, National Progressives Rally for Donna Edwards

Written by: Mike Hersh on Feb 12, 2008 4:59 AM EST

Progressive Democrats of America National Board Chair Mimi Kennedy flew in from L.A. Friday night to ride through Maryland's 4th District on a Bus. PDA National Board Member Rev. Lennox Yearwood rushed back from an appearance in Texas to Prince Georges County, where was "born, went to public school, was ordained, and commissioned into the Air Force." Why? To rally voters for Donna Edwards, the most exciting and progressive candidate this district has seen. The room was packed with Donna's supporters, swelled by PDA and DFA members from Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties.

Democracy For America Executive Director Jim Dean, like Mimi, rode through this sprawling district, meeting voters, waving signs, passing out information about Donna. PDA Vice Chair Steve Shaff, Board Member Steve Cobble, National Field Director Diane Shamis, Store Director Tom Pallow, and Maryland State Coordinator Mike Hersh also rode in the caravans to canvass at several shopping centers on the way to the big rally for Donna Edwards at the United Food & Commercial Workers offices in Landover, MD. Local DFA leaders including Sharon Polidoro, Maida Schifter, Suzanne St. Cyr and Donna's Montgomery County Campaign Organizer Gina Angiola joined in.

Rev. Yearwood fired up the crowd as only he can. He spelled out how damaging incumbent Albert Wynn's mistakes--like voting to attack Iraq and voting for the bankruptcy bill--have been for people in the 4th District of Maryland and other Americans. Mimi matched his energy, taking on Albert Wynn's allegations that a "vast left wing conspiracy" is backing Donna and giving a big shout out to the new PDA Prince Georges chapter leadership. Kim Gandy, the President of the National Organization for Women praised Donna's courage and dedication. After the rally, Kim put on a "PDA for Edwards" sticker and joined us in the group pictures and discussed ways NOW and PDA can work closely together.

SEIU Executive Director Terry Cavanagh put the contest in context, recounting his conversation with a member of Congress who wondered "why are you doing this to Al Wynn? There are worse Democrats than Al Wynn." The reply: "Give me some time and maybe we'll think of one." Other supporters spoke of Donna's willingness to listen, her eagerness to help, her goodness, decency, intelligence and more. Jim Dean said this is a contest between "the culture of incumbency vs. the culture of activism." He sounds like a natural partner for PDA, and Mimi discussed issues like election protection with him before and after the rally.

Donna thanked all of us for our support. Donna told us she's lived in Prince Georges County for 25 years, the county where she raised her son. In a voice worn by weeks and weeks of hard work, talked about her commitment to the people of the 4th District, her fundamental understanding of the difficulties facing working people, single moms--real Americans.

As Donna explains, if we elect her to Congress we won't have to push her or lobby her to do the right thing on universal health care or getting us out of Iraq or helping families hurt by the foreclosure crisis. "January 2009, my name will be right on top of the list," of the leaders making a difference on all these issues and more. And PDA is right on top of the list among the "vast left wing conspiracy" poised to usher Albert Wynn back into private life. As the chant rocked the room: "Al Wynn? Time to go!" and "It's Donna Time!"

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Location: Prince Georges County, MD