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Whose Side is Silvestre Reyes On?
Last week, Democracy for America Political Director Charles Chamberlain sent a message to DFA’s 675,000 members asking them to take action and call Rep. Reyes:
He needs to know we are counting on him. He needs to know that if he won’t stand up to
President Bush, then DFA members will find someone to replace him who will.
The message to DFA members resulted in thousands of phone calls to Rep. Reyes’ offices in El Paso and Washington.
By the end of the day, Jeremy Bash, the Chief Counsel to the House Intelligence Committee, called Democracy for America to discuss Rep. Reyes’ position on retroactive immunity. On behalf of Rep. Reyes, Mr. Bash provided a statement to DFA indicating that the Chairman was not changing his position and was still open to immunity.
A majority of Democrats in the House and Senate are opposed to retroactive telecom immunity. From Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Sen. Chris Dodd, Democrats have been unified against giving AT&T, Verizon, and President Bush a get out of jail free card. Even Bill Foster, a self-described Blue Dog who just won a special election to fill the remainder of Dennis Hastert’s term, is not in favor of granting immunity.
Richard Clarke (former head of counterterrorism at the National Security Council), Rand Beers (former Senior Director for Combating Terrorism at the National Security Council), Lt. Gen. Don Kerrick (former Deputy National Security Advisor), and Suzanne Spaulding (former assistant general counsel at the CIA) recently sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell expressing their opposition to telecom immunity:
Telecommunications companies will continue to cooperate with lawful government requests, particularly since FISA orders legally compel cooperation with the government. Again, it is unclear to us that the immunity debate will affect our surveillance capabilities.
The intelligence community currently has the tools it needs to acquire surveillance of new targets and methods of communication.
“Rep. Reyes has a clear choice to make. Is he with the American people, the US Constitution, and experienced intelligence officials or is he with President Bush and his cronies?,” said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. “Telecom immunity is a sham that the President is using to hide his illegal activities and scare people for political gain."
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Iowa Deserves Better Than Leonard Boswell
Released On: March 10, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, endorsed Ed Fallon's campaign for Congress last month and Leonard Boswell is scared. Fallon is challenging Boswell in the Democratic primary to represent Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. There is good reason for Rep. Boswell to be worried: an unimpressive Congressional record coupled with his support for the failed policies of the Bush administration.
Since first being elected to Congress in 1996, Boswell has only managed to get 2 bills out of committee and enacted into law. 2 bills in 12 years; the change Iowa need in Washington is not going to happen with Leonard Boswell.
"Leonard Boswell has been trapped in the Washington insider culture for 12 years and that is just not going to cut it," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "Rep. Boswell is part of a go-along, get-along Congress that has allowed President Bush, the Republican Party, and corporate special interests to run roughshod over our economy and our Constitution."
While Rep. Boswell has not been introducing legislation, he has been voting for a host of unsound and unpopular Bush policies. He voted for the War in Iraq and has voted for each and every one of the President's bills to fund it. He voted for the Patriot Act and has been a champion of retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies that participated in the President's program of warrantless wiretapping.
And, he has done this while collecting boatloads of cash from Washington PACs and lobbyists. In fact, 74% of his campaign contributions have come from the political action committees of companies like AT&T and Wal-Mart.
"We not only need more Democrats, but better Democrats," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. "Ed Fallon is an experienced legislator who unlike Leonard Boswell will represent his constituents and not his corporate donors."
Rep. Silvestre Reyes: Deal or No Deal?
BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, is putting the pressure on House Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes (D – TX). Rep. Reyes indicated he is open to a deal with the White House on immunity for the telecommunications companies who participated in President Bush program of warrantless wiretapping. DFA members are calling Rep. Reyes' Washington and El Paso offices demanding that he stand with Speaker Pelosi and the majority of
House Democrats against telecom immunity.
"In just a few hours, Democracy for America members have made
thousands of calls to Rep. Reyes letting him know he has a duty to uphold the Constitution," said DFA Chair Jim Dean. "House Democrats have been firm in their opposition to telecom immunity and Rep. Reyes should follow their lead."
Earlier today, Democracy for America Political Director Charles Chamberlain sent a message to DFA's 675,000 members asking them to take action and call Rep. Reyes:
He needs to know we are counting on him. He needs to know that if he won't stand up to President Bush, then DFA members will find someone to replace him who will.DFA is supporting Ed Fallon, an opponent of telecom immunity, in his primary challenge of incumbent Bush-Democrat Leonard Boswell in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. Rep. Boswell has already voted for telecom immunity. Last month, Democracy for America was instrumental in Donna Edwards' primary victory over incumbent Bush-Democrat Al Wynn in Maryland's 4th Congressional District.
A staffer at Rep. Reyes' El Paso office told a caller that no decision on telecom immunity had been made and she could not imagine why Rep Reyes would go against his close friend Speaker Pelosi. Grassroots pressure from Democracy for America members has been essential at every stage of the battle to stop telecom immunity.
"Rep. Reyes has a choice: is he with the American people or is he with President Bush and his cronies from AT&T and Verizon," said Democracy for America Executive Director Arshad Hasan. "We hope Rep Reyes makes the right decision."
Democracy for America Endorses Joe Garcia for the United States House of Representatives
Released On: February 28, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, has endorsed Joe Garcia's campaign to represent Florida's Twenty-fifth Congressional District.
"Joe Garcia is a tough, dynamic Democrat and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign for Congress," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. "Joe's opponent, Mario Diaz-Balart, has lost touch with the needs of his constituents and has been a consistent vote for the failed policies of the Bush administration. Rep. Diaz-Balart even voted three times against health care for kids because he didn't want to offend his tobacco lobbyist buddies. Joe Garcia offers the type of leadership the district needs in Washington."
Joe Garcia is a community leader who has the vision to bring real change to South Florida and help fix Washington. Joe worked his way through the University of Miami Law School while serving as director of the Exodus Project of the Cuban American National Foundation. Joe continued this work after law school, traveling to 17 countries to meet with dozens of world leaders, reuniting thousands of families that had been scattered throughout the world.
In 1991, Joe was appointed Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission where he led the deregulation of the state's telecommunications industry, which led to lower prices for consumers. Later on, he worked closely with state lawmakers from both parties to sign the largest energy rate cut in Florida's history.
For 20 years, Joe Garcia has been a leader on the issues that affect the lives of real people. In Washington, he will be a leader on key issues like strengthening our middle class, providing all Americans excellent health care, and re-establishing America as the moral and economic world leader.
"Across the country DFA is making a difference by motivating young people to become actively involved in politics. The work of DFA is important to our community because it advocates a new kind of politics; one that breaks from the divisive special interest politics of the past," said Joe Garcia. "It is an honor to have the endorsement of such an important national organization that is committed to promoting the kind of grassroots activism that will lead to real change in South Florida."
Democracy for America is a key endorsement in this race, bringing hundreds of donations from progressives around the country and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach. The DFA Training Academy has trained tens of thousands of activists across the country in the strategies and tactics of successful campaigns and will be coming to Miami in
July.
"Joe Garcia supports progressive values like ending the War in Iraq, expanding access to affordable health care and, protecting the economic well-being of working men and women. DFA will stand with candidates who stand up for progressive values." said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.
Donna Edwards Defeats Incumbent
Rockville, MD – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, provided the critical support that propelled Donna Edwards to victory in the Maryland 4th Congressional District Democratic primary. Donna Edwards resoundingly beat the Bush-Democrat incumbent, Al Wynn, in Tuesday's Democratic primary. DFA raised over $40,000 for Ms. Edwards' campaign and local DFA members were the boots on the ground who staffed phone banks, walked precincts, and supplied the necessary grassroots support that was key to Tuesday's victory.
"Al Wynn has a shameful record in Congress and thanks to Donna his days of ignoring his constituents are soon to be over," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "Al Wynn has been a consistent vote for George Bush's War in Iraq and for big oil companies, big banking companies, big insurance companies, and against working people. Donna Edwards is ready to provide the progressive leadership that the residents of Maryland's 4th Congressional District deserve."
Ms. Edwards ran on a progressive platform that emphasized important differences with Mr. Wynn. In stark contrast to the incumbent, her campaign focused on issues like providing comprehensive health care for all Americans, repealing the bankruptcy law, standing up against wealthy corporate special interests, and ending the War in Iraq.
"While Al Wynn was taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from corporate special interests and lobbyists, Donna Edwards was working to pass the Violence Against Women Act. While Al Wynn was voting to allow President Bush to continue his War in Iraq, Donna Edwards was fighting the big pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of prescription drugs," said Gina Angiola, local DFA member and Montgomery County Coordinator for the Donna Edwards for Congress campaign.
"Democracy for America has stood by me since the beginning and their support was vital for my campaign," said Donna Edwards. "DFA knows that a progressive message and an effective grassroots campaign can beat out money, cynicism, and special interests."
The Senate Stands Up Against President Bush and for the Constitution
Telecom Immunity is Defeated
Burlington, VT – Members of Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, made thousands of phone calls to Senator Harry Reid and played a key role in forcing the tabling of the reauthorization of the so-called Protect America Act just over one month ago. Today, DFA members responded to the call to action and have scored another victory in the battle against President George Bush's effort to grant retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies who participated in his program of warrantless wiretapping.
Republicans attempted to prevent debate and consideration of Democratic amendments to the FISA bill. GOP senators, working in tandem with the White House, tried to force through a version of the bill with retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies. The Senate voted 45 to 48 against cloture. A vote for a 30-day extension of the bill also failed with Republicans voting against cloture.
After being targeted by Democracy for America, Senators Clinton and Obama, who had originally indicated they would not participate in today's vote, came to the Senate to vote against cloture.
"Our members were making calls to the Senate at a rate of over 1000 per hour," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "The death of retroactive telecom immunity was an expression of the will of the American people and a victory for the United States Constitution."
President Bush has indicated he will veto the 30-day extension or any version of the Protect America Act that does not include a provision for retroactive immunity.
"For reasons passing all understanding, the Republicans voted against a 30-day extension of a bill the President says is vital to the safety of the American people," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. "Our members got involved and gave voice to what a vast majority of Americans believe: we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, not some place where the President can throw a tantrum and get what he wants."
Democracy for America Sends a Message to Senators Clinton and Obama
Burlington, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, will place a full-page ad in the Monday, January 28 edition of the New York Times. The ad calls on Senators Clinton and Obama to show true leadership and fight retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies who participated in President Bush's warrantless wiretapping program. Currently, the Senate is considering unprecedented legislation that would grant the Bush administration a wide array of powers to spy on Americans.
"President Bush has done real damage to our Constitution and any legislation that grants retroactive immunity would make the United States Congress and the American people complicit in his illegal activities," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "Senators Clinton and Obama and the senators who have endorsed their presidential campaigns are key to holding the Bush administration accountable for their actions."
The ad makes clear that this is the last chance for the American people to discover the extent to which the Bush administration violated the Constitution by pressuring telecommunications companies to spy on American citizens without warrants, due process, or probable cause. Senators Clinton and Obama now have the opportunity to show the leadership we need in any future president. Twelve Democratic senators voted for cloture on yesterday's Judiciary Committee amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that did not include retroactive immunity. The cloture vote was successful by a margin of 60 to 36. Of these twelve senators, seven have endorsed either Senator Clinton or Obama. If these presidential hopefuls bring along the support of these senators, they can sustain a planned filibuster, defeat any cloture vote, and demonstrate that they have the integrity, vision, and judgment to be president.
"Americans recognize that we live in dangerous times, but we cannot sacrifice our liberty and our freedoms every time the President says the sky is falling," said Arshad Hasan, Exceutive Director of Democracy for America. "I was born and raised in North Dakota and I said the Pledge of Allegiance everyday and I believe in it; especially, that we live in a country with liberty and justice for all. We expect Senators Clinton and Obama to stand up for these bedrock American principles."
Democracy for America to host rally, canvass for Mark Pera for Congress
DFA Chair Jim Dean and Mark Pera will be on-hand to address the crowd before going out to knock on doors and speak to voters and residents in the district.
“Mark Pera offers true, progressive Democratic leadership,” Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, said. “We are proud to support his campaign and we are excited to be in the district to speak with his constituents.”
Pera is challenging Dan Lipinski in Illinois’ Feb. 5 primary.
“The scandals around Dan Lipinski are a disgrace, he has no business representing Illinois in Congress,” said Sandra Verthein with Northside DFA; a local Democracy for America coalition group that is supporting Mark Pera’s campaign. “Mark Pera is a leader, a Democrat, and the type of person we so desperately need in Congress.”
“The support of Democracy for America has been crucial for my campaign,” Pera said. “Elections like these are won at the door and over the phone. DFA knows that when neighbors speak to neighbors progressives win.
Democracy for America Announces Coast-to-Coast Training Schedule
Released On: January 15, 2008
"I give thanks to Democracy for America for helping my campaign demonstrate that grassroots and netroots organizing works, no matter the political odds," said United States Representative Jerry McNerney (D - CA11), who defeated longtime incumbent Richard Pombo in 2006. "The DFA Training Academy provided in-district training to staff and volunteers that was crucial to our victory."
The DFA Training Academy will hold trainings all over the country; including in a number of targeted congressional districts where Democracy for America-endorsed candidates are on the ballot. The DFA Training Academy will start in February in Seattle, WA where Democrat Darcy Burner is running against the regressive, conservative Republican Dave Reichert. The DFA Training Academy will also be held in Texas - Dallas - where Democrat Rick Noriega is challenging the deeply unpopular reactionary Republican John Cornyn.
"Democracy for America is committed to transforming our country and government and rebuilding the Democratic Party from the bottom up," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. "The DFA Training Academy is at the core of our work and it is why the culture of activism will always beat the culture of incumbency."
Trainers for the DFA Training Academy include leading campaign professionals like Kendra-Sue Derby, who was the senior consultant on John Tester's successful Senate campaign in Montana, Jay Parmley, the Democratic Party's liason to the Mississippi Democratic Party and former Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, and the political staff of ActBlue, the online fundraising site that has raised over $35 million for progressive candidates since 2004.
"We put on an intensive program that gets folks ready to run for office, run campaigns, and run for positions of leadership in the Democratic Party," said Matt Blizek, Democracy for America's Training Director. "The DFA Training Academy prepares progressive activists with the necessary skills for winning elections."
Feb 23-24: Seattle, WA
March 1-2: East Bay, CA
March 8-9: Birmingham, AL
March 15-16: Dallas, TX
March 29-30: Oklahoma City, OK
April 5-6: San Diego, CA
April 12-13: Charleston, SC
April 26-27: Somerville, NJ
May 3-4: Rochester, NY
May 10-11: Cincinnati, OH
May 17-18: Missoula, MT
May 30-June 1: Pittsburgh, PA
June 7-8: Lansing, MI
June 14-15: Kansas City, MO
June 21-22: Albuquerque, NM
July 12-13: Miami, FL
July 19-20: Austin, TX (Netroots Nation)
July 26-27: Milwaukee, WI
August 27-31: Denver, CO (DNC Convention)
Progressives Win! Obama Wins. Edwards Second.
Released On: January 3, 2008
Democracy for America's Unite for a Progressive President Campaign brought together the strengths of the Iowa caucus process and the commitment of DFA members throughout the country. The 675,000 members of DFA gathered tens of thousands signatures on a national call to action, wrote over 6,124 letters to Iowa DFA members, and plastered the Des Moines Register with an ad asking Iowa Democrats to not leave their caucus until a progressive wins their location.
"If you listened to people last year, it was as if there was no need to vote. There was all this talk about inevitability, but, tonight, Democracy for America's members here in Iowa proved that primaries matter, progressive values are what make the Democratic Party strong," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.
In sharp contrast to 2004, issues of concern to progressive voters have been front and center in this presidential race. The activism and involvement of progressive Democrats have transformed the Party and fundamentally altered the primary landscape. From universal health care to ending the War in Iraq to global warming, every Democrat in the race has seen the need to take a strong stance. Those Democrats who have taken a stance have seen their support increase among voters.
"Tonight's caucus results are further proof that progressive voters make up the core of the Democratic Party – they are the key constituency in this election. DFA members and progressive Democrats support candidates who fight for progressive values: bringing our troops home from Iraq, expanding universal health care for all Americans, and fighting to end global warming," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.
DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA ENDORSES ERIC MASSA FOR THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Released On: December 20, 2007
BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, has endorsed Eric Massa's campaign to represent New York's 29th Congressional District.
Eric Massa is a veteran who served in the Navy for 24 years before his career was cut short after doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer related to the use of depleted Uranium in the Gulf War. After working at Corning Inc., Mr. Massa joined the House Armed Services Committee to assist in the oversight of Naval construction and procurement. In protest, he left that position in 2003 after Congress gave President Bush the authority to invade Iraq.
"Eric Massa is an American hero who knew from the beginning that the decision to invade Iraq was wrong and based on faulty intelligence," said Jim Dean, Chairman of Democracy for America. "Mr. Massa has proven that he has the insight and judgment to lead and DFA is proud to endorse his campaign."
Democracy for America is the key endorsement in this race, bringing hundreds of donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach. The DFA Training Academy has trained tens of thousands of activists across the country in the strategies and tactics of successful campaigns and will be coming to Rochester, NY this May.
"Democracy for America is supporting Eric Massa because he will fight to end the War in Iraq, protect Americans from the outsourcing of jobs, and work to expand access to affordable health care. DFA will stand with candidates who stand up for progressive values," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.
DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA ENDORSES DARCY BURNER FOR THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Released On: December 20, 2007
BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, has endorsed Darcy Burner's campaign to represent Washington's Eighth Congressional District.
"Darcy Burner is a strong, pragmatic progressive and Democracy for America is proud to endorse her campaign for Congress," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. "Ms. Burner's opponent has stood in lockstep with President Bush on the War in Iraq and has shown zero leadership in tackling the major issues of concern to the residents of the Eighth District. Darcy Burner is a change agent who has the determination to fight for real, common sense solutions to the growing litany of problems our nation faces."
Darcy Burner started out with next to nothing, but learned the values of hard work, determination, and commitment to public service from her blue-collar military family. Drawing on those values, she worked her way up the educational and economic ladder to build a successful career a businesswoman in the technology sector. She is the wife of an Army veteran and the sister of a veteran of the War in Iraq. Her background and her obvious commitment to serving her constituents make her the ideal candidate for this district.
Democracy for America is the key endorsement in this race, bringing hundreds of donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach. The DFA Training Academy has trained tens of thousands of activists across the country in the strategies and tactics of successful campaigns and will be coming to Bellevue, WA this February.
"Democracy for America is supporting Darcy Burner because she supports progressive values like ending the War in Iraq, protecting the economic well-being of working men and women, and breaking our addiction to oil. DFA will stand with candidates who stand up for progressive values." said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.
FISA Bill Tabled After Thousands of Calls from Democracy for America Members
Released On: December 18, 2007
Burlington, VT – Members of Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, scored a victory in the battle to protect the Constitution last night. In an unexpected move, Majority Leader Harry Reid pulled the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization bill from the Senate floor. The version that was tabled until January included retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies who participated in President Bush's warrantless wiretapping program.
Senator Chris Dodd, joined by Senators Edward Kennedy, Russ Feingold, and others, had stated their intent to filibuster the bill because of the inclusion of retroactive immunity. Before the filibuster even began, Senator Reid came to the floor and said he was pulling the bill because he had received "thousands of communications from across the country." In large part this was due to the work of Democracy for America. Over 2,443 DFA members reported calling Senator Reid's office in a bold display of the people-powered grassroots organizing for which DFA is best known.
President Bush had vowed to veto any version of the bill which did not include retroactive immunity. In his remarks on the Senate floor yesterday, Senator Kennedy explained the logical inconsistencies of the President's position, "The President has said that American lives will be sacrificed if Congress does not change FISA. But he has also said that he will veto any FISA bill that does not grant retroactive immunity. No immunity, no new FISA bill. So if we take the President at his word, he is willing to let Americans die to protect the phone companies."
"The FISA bill was another example of President Bush using scare tactics to push through legislation that benefits special interests instead of the interests of American citizens," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "Thanks to our members getting involved, making phone calls, writing letters, and believing in the idea of government of the people, by the people, and for the people – it is clear that Senator Reid got the message."
Does Anyone Care About Joe Lieberman?
Released On: December 17, 2007
Burlington, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest and most active rogressive political action organization, has called out Senator Joe Lieberman for his endorsement of John McCain's flailing presidential campaign and McCain's policy of sending more troops to Iraq.
In 2006, Senator Lieberman was reelected to the Senate as the sole candidate of Connecticut for Lieberman; a political party created out of whole cloth after Senator Lieberman was resoundingly defeated by Ned Lamont in the Democratic primary. At the time, Senator Lieberman promised to caucus with the Democratic majority in the Senate and work to elect a Democrat to the White House in 2008.
"With his endorsement of John McCain, Senator Lieberman has, once again, shown himself to be nothing more than an irrelevant Republican who is willing to say anything to get elected and curry favor with the Beltway establishment while he continues his quest to get appointed to a cabinet position," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America.
John McCain's status as a "maverick independent" has taken serious hits with his continued support for President Bush's policies and the War in Iraq. Senator Lieberman's endorsement should do nothing to enhance his campaign or change Senator McCain's prospects in the presidential race.
"At this point, it is clear that Joe Lieberman is done with the taxpayers of Connecticut and we are done with him," said Democracy for America Chairman and Connecticut resident, Jim Dean. "Majority Leader Harry Reid needs to pull Senator Lieberman's committee assignments. His presence in the Democratic caucus is an insult to Connecticut voters and taxpayers, Democrats, progressives, and activists all over the country."
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Unite for a Progressive President Campaign Sends a Message to Iowa's Democrats
Burlington, VT – Democracy for America, our nation’s largest progressive political action organization, has ramped up its recently launched Unite for a Progressive President Campaign by placing an ad in the 12/13/07 edition of the Des Moines Register. The ad asks Iowa’s Democratic caucus-goers not to split their vote and stand together for a progressive president. Progressive voters are the key constituency in this election.
“Americans want a progressive president who will embrace grassroots engagement and have the backbone to fight for real change. Iowa’s voters need to know we are depending on them to make sure one of the top progressives wins their caucus location,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America.
With 675,000 members nationwide, including 9,000 in Iowa, Democracy for America is at the head of a national movement that will profoundly alter the traditional landscape of the presidential primary season. The Unite for a Progressive President Campaign is bringing together members, supporters, and activists throughout the country in a new and historic way.
“Democracy for America has always been committed to harnessing the power of direct, grassroots activism and empowering Americans to play a substantive role in their community and their government,” said DFA Chairman Jim Dean. “With the participation of our members and supporters in the Iowa caucus, we are uniting voters behind a progressive candidate. DFA members are essential to winning the Democratic nomination.”
Democracy for America Endorses Illinois Congressional Candidate Mark Pera
Burlington, VT-- Earlier today the political organization founded by Howard Dean, Democracy for America (DFA), endorsed Mark Pera for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional district in a Democratic Primary. DFA’s involvement is an indication that this contentious Primary is garnering national attention.
Mark Pera’s challenge to Congressman Dan Lipinski is a consequence of the incumbent’s numerous votes supporting President Bush’s positions including banning stem cell research, expanding domestic wire tapping, and repeatedly voting to stay the course in Iraq.
“We’re sending a message to Congress: You're on notice. Regardless of political party, when Congress won't represent the will of the American people, DFA will replace them with someone who will. Mark Pera is the more consistently progressive candidate in this election, so the choice is clear,” said Jim Dean, brother of Howard Dean, and currently the Chair of Democracy for America.
Although the organization has been involved in contentious Primaries in the past, it is unusual for any organization to get involved this early. According to Dean, DFA endorsed early because the contrast between the two candidates’ backgrounds highlighted a problem that goes beyond voting records.
“This election isn’t just about bad votes, it’s also about leadership and community. Hand-picked by the party machine to take his father’s seat in Congress, Dan Lipinski is a poster child for the culture of incumbency,” Dean added.
Mark Pera worked his way up from the steel mills of East Chicago to the Lyons School Board to the State Attorney’s office by taking action and engaging members of the district. Pera has built a relationship with the community and many say this has proven his ability to lead.
Area activists from Northside Democracy for America – a local group modeled after the national organization - have been supporting Mark by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and recruiting volunteers for what they call their “People-Powered Campaign”. DFA decided to offer formal support after the organization’s local membership brought this race to their attention.
Founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, DFA is a political action committee dedicated to supporting progressive candidates at all levels of government -- from the school board to the presidency. DFA empowers everyday Americans to reform their political system: www.democracyforamerica.com/candidates.
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DFA Chair Jim Dean & Houston City Council Member Melissa Noriega To Speak At Four Steps to Victory Tour in Texas
Building on the momentum of the 2006 electoral victories and the DFA Training Academy in March, Democracy for America (DFA) returns to Houston as a part of its national Four Steps to Victory Tour: Building a People-Powered America with Chair Jim Dean and Houston City Council Member Melissa Noriega on Thursday, October 4 at Kobain’s, 33 Waugh Drive at 6:30pm.
Councilwoman Noriega is enthusiastically supported by members of Democracy for America Texas. The Four Steps to Victory Tour brings together the progressive activists (who are already doing amazing work in their state) and empowers them with the tools to win in 2007 and 2008. DFA Chair Jim Dean and Councilwoman Noriega are scheduled to discuss people-powered politics.
“We're building a movement of progressive Americans working to take our country back. With a little over a year until America elects a new President, there are a lot of actions we can take right now to make victory happen. In Texas alone, we have state and local races, gubernatorial campaigns, a presidential primary and an upcoming Senate race. We have to power to get active, get connected, get smarter, and become progressive leaders,” said Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean.
Currently, DFA has trained over 10,000 activists across America leading to over 500 electoral victories at all levels of government. These DFA members will strategize at the national Four Steps to Victory Tour as it travels across the country.
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the school board to the presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean & DFA-List Candidate Gary Anderson To Speak At Four Steps To Victory Tour in Mississippi
Building on the momentum of the 2006 electoral victories and DFA Training Academy hosted by the Mississippi Democratic Party in April, Democracy for America (DFA) returns to Jackson as a part of its national Four Steps to Victory Tour: Building a People-Powered America with Chair Jim Dean and DFA-List Candidate Gary Anderson on Tuesday, October 2 at Hal and Mal’s, 200 S. Commerce Street at 7pm.
DFA endorsed Gary Anderson for Insurance Commissioner in July and helped him raise almost $7000 which powered his primary win. The Four Steps to Victory Tour brings together the progressive activists (who are already doing amazing work in their state) and empowers them with the tools to win in 2007 and 2008. DFA Chair Jim Dean and DFA-List Candidate Gary Anderson are scheduled to discuss people-powered politics.
“We're building a movement of progressive Americans working to take our country back. With a little over a year until America elects a new President, there are a lot of actions we can take right now to make victory happen. In Louisiana alone, we have state and local races, a gubernatorial campaign, a presidential primary and an upcoming Senate race. We have to power to get active, get connected, get smarter, and become progressive leaders,” said Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean.
Currently, DFA has trained over 10,000 activists across America leading to over 500 electoral victories at all levels of national, state and local government. These DFA members will strategize at the national Four Steps to Victory Tour as it travels the country.
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the school board to the presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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Democracy for America Endorses Maryland Congressional Candidate Donna Edwards
Burlington, VT-- Earlier today the political organization founded by Howard Dean, Democracy for America, endorsed Donna Edwards for Maryland’s 4th Congressional district.
Donna Edwards ran against Rep. Al Wynn in the 2006 Democratic Primary, where she came within 3,000 votes of unseating the conservative Democrat. This year is shaping up to be just as contentious for the two candidates. With Democracy for America getting involved in the race, it appears that this year’s Primary is garnering national attention.
“This is not the first time the organization has involved itself in Democratic Primary contests. Democracy for America is supporting the more consistently progressive candidate in this election,” said Jim Dean, brother of Howard Dean, and currently the Chair of Democracy for America.
“Donna Edwards is a true progressive. Al Wynn has been trying to turn around his pro-war position ever since his near-loss in 2006. But Democracy for America members are not looking for Donna Edwards ‘lite’; they support the real Donna Edwards,” Dean said.
Donna Edwards enjoys the enthusiastic support of activists from Democracy for Maryland and received the endorsement of the local group Democracy for Montgomery County. Both are local groups modeled after the national organization. Edwards’ strong support among local grassroots activists along with her consistent progressive stance on issues such as the Iraq War attracted the attention of the national DFA organization.
Founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, DFA is a political action committee dedicated to supporting progressive candidates with at all levels of government -- from the school board to the presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system. Find out more at www.democracyforamerica.com/candidates
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Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean & New Hampshire State House Speaker Terie Norelli To Speak at Four Steps to Victory Tour in
BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America is kicking off its national Four Steps to Victory Tour: Building a People-Powered America with DFA National Chair Jim Dean and New Hampshire State House Speaker Terie Norelli on Tuesday, September 25th at 7:30pm -- the night before the presidential debate in Norwich, Vermont.
Hundreds of “ordinary” citizens will explore opportunities to exert political influence in 2007 and 2008 elections while networking with others looking to take responsibility and claim ownership of their government. DFA Chair Jim Dean and House Speaker Terie Norelli are scheduled to discuss people-powered politics.
Who: Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America and New Hampshire State House Speaker Terie Norelli.
What: Four Steps to Victory Tour: Building a People-Powered America
When: Tuesday, September 25 at 7:30pm
Where: Tracy Town Hall, Multi-Purpose Room
300 Main Street
Norwich, Vermont 05055
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the school board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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Democracy for America Endorses Isabel Piedmont for Bloomington City Council in Indiana
BURLINGTON, VT -- On behalf of the progressive grassroots, Democracy for America (DFA) has endorsed Isabel Piedmont for Bloomington City Council, District 5 in Indiana.
“DFA endorses Isabel Piedmont with great pride and enthusiasm because she shares our belief in people-powered politics. She’s committed to creating a government that works for you and delivers the services Bloomington residents need. She will fight for fairness, governmental accountability and the common good while moving Bloomington forward,” said DFA chair Jim Dean.
Piedmont is running for Bloomington City Council with the backing of Democracy for Monroe County and Democracy for America. Isabel is a true grassroots activist, a regular attendee of her local DFA-Link-up events, and a May graduate of the DFA Training Academy in Bloomington. This election, Isabel is running to build a sustainable community and involve more people in civic action.
Founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, Democracy for America is a political action committee dedicated to supporting progressive candidates at all levels of government -- from the School Board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system. Find out more at www.democracyforamerica.com/candidates.
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Democracy for America Endorses Deborah Langhoff and Angelique LaCour for Louisiana State House
On behalf of over 600,000 grassroots members, Democracy for America (DFA) has endorsed Deborah Langhoff and Angelique LaCour for Louisiana State House.
“DFA endorses Deborah Langhoff and Angelique LaCour with great pride and enthusiasm because they share our belief in people-powered politics. They're committed to creating a government that works for you and delivers the services Louisiana residents need. Together they will fight for fairness, governmental accountability and the common good while moving Louisiana forward,” said DFA chair Jim Dean.
Deborah Langhoff lost her house, her business, and her community to flooding when the levees broke. But she didn't despair; Deborah attended the DFA Training Academy in Baton Rouge this past June, and now she's running for state office to rebuild a New Orleans that is safer and smarter than the city that was destroyed by flooding and neglect. She says it best: "Civic activism drives our recovery from the Katrina Disaster."
Angelique LaCour is running a true grassroots campaign, getting her friends and family involved, reaching out to her community, and working to support sustainable economic development and ethics reform in state government. A resident of Covington, Hurricane Katrina flooded her business which was still located in New Orleans, but that didn't slow her down. Now, she's determined to win a Democratic seat in St. Tammany Parish – a Republican stronghold.
Founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, DFA is a political action committee dedicated to supporting candidates at all levels of government—from the school board to the presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system. Find out more at www.democracyforamerica.com
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Democracy for America Delivers 7,742 Health Care Horror Stories to Congress
Democracy for America (DFA) is conducting the Health Care for America campaign in partnership with filmmaker Michael Moore. Thousands of DFA members are delivering 7,742 health care horror stories to their Members of Congress in 319 districts across America on Wednesday, August 29, 2007. This is more than three quarters of the U. S. House of Representatives.
This health care horror story delivery is a culmination of health care forums held by DFA members in their local communities across the country. Last week, members called their Governors asking them to stand against President Bush’s attempt to make cuts to the State Children’s Health Program. DFA activists placed over 2,700 calls.
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the School Board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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Democracy for America Statement on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
BURLINGTON, VT – Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ resignation:
“The resignation of Alberto Gonzales is just the first step to restoring integrity to the Justice Department. The next step is removing the person most responsible for the mess in Washington – George W. Bush.”
During the past 5 months, Democracy for America members:
- Signed over 100,000 petitions calling for Gonzales to go
- Ran three hard hitting media generating ads
- Ran newspaper ads in five major media markets
- Contacted Members of Congress by phone, through email and in-person calling for the unseating of Gonzales
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the School Board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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Democracy for America Responds to Rep. Jay Inslee's Impeachment Resolution Against Alberto Gonzales
BURLINGTON, VT – Yesterday, Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) introduced a resolution calling on the Judiciary Committee to consider impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America (DFA), issued the following statement in response to the introduction of this impeachment resolution:
"One thing is clear. Alberto Gonzales is no longer fit to serve as the Attorney General of the United States. If President Bush won't fire him, then Congress must exercise its constitutional authority and impeach the Attorney General. Democracy for America supports today's resolution calling for the Judiciary Committee to investigate impeachment of the Attorney General. Only after Gonzales is gone can integrity be restored to the Justice Department."
Democracy for America has been conducting a nationwide Impeach Gonzales campaign for the past 4 months. Our local groups delivered a petition signed by over 80,000 concerned Democracy for America members to the office of Rep. John Conyers, chair of the House Judiciary Committee and several other pertinent committee members earlier this summer. This petition was a culmination of our Impeach Gonzales campaign including a two minute video Impeach Gonzales II: The Crimes and a series of prominent ads which ran in The Hill, the New York Observer, Detroit Metro Times and the Los Angeles Daily News. Both the film and the ads can be viewed online at www.impeachgonzales.org.
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Democracy for America Hosts Health Care Forum in Chicago Today
CHICAGO, IL – Last month Democracy for America (DFA) launched the Health Care for America campaign in partnership with filmmaker Michael Moore. Now, DFA is kicking off their national Health Care Forums on Wednesday, August 1 at 8pm at the UNITE HERE! Union Hall in Chicago.
The panel discussion will be led by Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. Guests include DFA-List Alderman Joe Moore, Claudia Fagan of Physicians for National Health Care Plan, and John Bouman from the Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law.
Participants will be invited to share their health care horror stories, hear policy solutions, learn ways to get active in their communities, and sign up to bring their stories to Senators Richard Durbin and Barack Obama. Plus, Michael Moore's SiCKO! Health Care cards will be distributed.
Who: Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, DFA-List Alderman Joe Moore, Claudia Fagan of Physicians for National Health Care Plan, and John Bouman from the Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law.
What: National Health Care Forum
When: Wednesday, August 1st at 8pm
Where: UNITE HERE! Union Hall, 333 S. Ashland (1/2 block south of Jackson) in Chicago, IL 60607
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the School Board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean to Speak at DemocracyFest this Weekend with Senator John Edwards and Governor Howard Dean i
Bedford, NH – This weekend Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, will speak at the 4th Annual DemocracyFest at the Wayfarer Inn in Bedford, New Hampshire. DemocracyFest seeks to engage residents from across the country under the theme of “Potluck Politics: The Art of Participatory Democracy.”
Hundreds of “ordinary” citizens will explore opportunities to gain political influence while networking with others looking to take responsibility and claim ownership of their government during the entire weekend of June 9-10th.
New Hampshire was selected as the host with regard to the state’s prominence in the Democratic presidential primary. Presidential Candidate Senator John Edwards and Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean are also scheduled to speak. In addition, Democracy for America will offer a special campaign training on Saturday.
Who: Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America
What: DemocracyFest educates progressive activists on taking more ownership over our government and making electoral gains on local, state and national levels.
When: Saturday, June 9 at 10:15am & Sunday, June 10 at 10:15am
Where: The Wayfarer Inn
121 South River Road
Bedford, New Hampshire 03110
603-622-3766
To find more information, visit www.democracyfest.net or contact Sheri Divers at 802-651-3200, ext. 148 or media@democracyforamerica.com
Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates with a backbone at all levels of government—from the school board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
New Video & Ad Campaign Launched as Nationwide Movement to Impeach Alberto Gonzales Grows
Los Angeles, CA – A nationwide campaign calling for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’s impeachment launched last week escalates Wednesday, May 30th with Robert Greenwald’s new two minute video Impeach Gonzales II: The Crimes and a series of prominent ads in The Hill and New York Observer. Both the film, created by Robert Greenwald’s Brave New Films and the ads by Democracy for America, can be viewed online at www.impeachgonzales.org.
The new video and ads which will run later this week in the Detroit Metro Times and Los Angeles Daily News, come at time when the movement against Gonzales is building - both from the grassroots and former supporters like League of United Latin American Citizens and La Raza.
Over 200,000 people viewed Impeach Gonzales I: The Lies and almost 60,000 people have signed the petition at www.impeachgonzales.org calling for the House Judiciary Committee to begin the Impeachment process. This nationwide movement to Impeach Gonzales continues to grow as Democratic and Republican leaders and citizens call for the Attorney General’s removal and prepare for No Confidence Votes. Evidence against Gonzales has increased in the aftermath of Monica Goodling’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee last week.
“Americans around the country are standing up to voice opposition to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and his politicization of the Department of Justice,” said Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean. “Our message is clear: Impeach Gonzales.”
“President Bush will not fire the Attorney General, but the American people can call for his Impeachment,” said Filmmaker Robert Greenwald who directed the Impeach Gonzalez video. “The video shows Gonzales has no respect for the truth, for the rules of Congress and for the people of this country. How can he lead our U.S. Justice Department?”
The petition will be sent to all members of the House Judiciary committee, who can begin the impeachment process as outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution. This massive impeachment call comes at a time when leaders in both houses are calling for a No Confidence Vote against the Attorney General.
Founded by Governor Howard Dean in 2004, Democracy for America (www.democracyforamerica.com) is a political action committee dedicated to campaign training, grassroots activism and supporting progressive candidates at all levels of government - from the School Board to the Presidency. Robert Greenwald’s Brave New Films (www.bravenewfilms.org) uses film and viral video to create social change.
DFA Hosts Campaign Training Academy with U.S. Rep. James Clyburn and State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, SC -- Building on the momentum of the 2006 electoral victories, Democracy for America will launch its national 2007 campaign training schedule in Columbia, South Carolina with U.S. Representative James Clyburn and State House Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter on Saturday, March 17-18, 2007 at University of South Carolina Law School Law Center Building, 701 Main Street from 9-6pm.
The 2008 Presidential Race has begun. Thousands of Democracy for America (DFA) grassroots activists from over 850 local groups across the country have registered for campaign training in their cities because they are taking an active role in this race as well as the state and municipal elections in 2007.
The DFA Training Academy features experienced campaign professionals and covers practical strategies and tactics in areas such as communications, fundraising, voter targeting, online organizing, and building a sustainable grassroots movement. The program is designed to be practical and immediately useful in community organizing activities. These skills are essential for activists who will volunteer with presidential primary campaigns or run for elected office.
Currently, DFA has trained over 10,000 activists across America leading to over 500 electoral victories at all levels of national, state and local government. Rep. Clyburn will address community activists Saturday morning from 9:10-9:20. State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter will be speaking on Sunday during lunch.“Our DFA Training Academy graduates are using their power to turn these victories into a lasting movement,” said Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean.
Venue Info:
Grassroots Campaign Training Academy
Date: March 17-18 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 9:00am-6:00pm both days
Location: Univ. of South Carolina Law School Law Center Building
Address: 701 Main St. in Columbia, South Carolina 29208
For more training locations, visit: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training
Democracy for America, which was founded by Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to building a grassroots network of socially progressive and fiscally responsible activists running for all levels of office – from the school board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
DFA Hosts Training Academy with Governor Tom Vilsack and U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack in Iowa
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -- Building on the momentum of the 2006 electoral victories, Democracy for America will launch its national 2007 campaign training schedule in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Governor Tom Vilsack, newly elected U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack, state Reps. Art Staed, Elisha Gayman and Senator Rob Hogg on Saturday, March 24-25, 2007 at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa Hall, 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard Southwest.
The 2008 Presidential Race has begun. Thousands of Democracy for America (DFA) grassroots activists from over 850 local groups across the country have registered for campaign training in their cities because they are taking an active role in this race as well as the state and municipal elections in 2007.
The DFA Training Academy features experienced campaign professionals and covers practical strategies and tactics in areas such as communications, fundraising, voter targeting, online organizing, and building a sustainable grassroots movement. The program is designed to be practical and immediately useful in community organizing activities. These skills are essential for activists who will volunteer with presidential primary campaigns or run for elected office.
Currently, DFA has trained over 10,000 activists across America leading to over 500 electoral victories at all levels of national, state and local government. Representative Loebsack will speak with community activists on Saturday during lunch at 12:30 and Governor Vilsack is scheduled to appear on the same day at 7pm. In addition, state Reps. Art Staed, Elesha Gayman and Senator Rob Hogg will appear on a panel on Sunday during lunch.
“Our DFA Training Academy graduates are using their power to turn these victories into a lasting movement,” said Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean.
Venue Info:
Grassroots Campaign Training Academy
Date: March 24-25 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 9:00am-6:00pm both days
Location: Iowa Hall, Kirkwood Community College
Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
For more training locations, visit: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training
Democracy for America, which was founded by Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to building a grassroots network of socially progressive and fiscally responsible activists running for all levels of office – from the school board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.
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