Progressive Powerhouse Invests in local Democratic Races

Released: May 24, 2012 10:12 AM

Progressive Powerhouse Invests in local Democratic Races

Strength of Party Depends on Supporting Progressive Candidates up and Down the Ballot

Burlington, VT – Today, Democracy for America (DFA) announced a slate of seven local endorsements for the 2012 election cycle.  Known for their ability to strengthen grassroot support for a candidate, Democracy for America goes to great lengths to vet and endorse local candidates.  For candidates, earning the endorsement of DFA can signal a sea change for their campaign.

Democracy for America’s recent slate of non-federal endorsed candidates are:

• Christian Smith, candidate for Mobile Country Treasurer in Alabama
  
• Abel Guillen, candidate for California’s General Assembly District 18
  
• Andy Melendrez, candidate for Riverside California Mayor
  
• Julio Perez, candidate for California’s General Assembly District 69
  
• Vin Gopal, candidate for Monmouth County Democratic Party Chair in New Jersey
  
• Diane Trautman, candidate for Harris County Board of Education in Texas
  
• John McClelland, candidate for Denton County Democratic Party Chair in Texas

“All across the Country, progressives are getting active, tuning in, and making a decision to take their country back,” said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America.  “Many of our locally endorsed candidates start out as grassroots activists trying to make a difference in their communities.  Democracy for America believes the best way to build a stronger and more engaged progressive community is to enable candidates up and down the ballot.  These endorsements clearly paint that picture.  The strength of our party depends on candidates like Diane Trautman, Vin Gopal and Abel Guillen.”

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America: We’re all in for Wisconsin

Released: May 22, 2012 9:59 AM

Democracy for America: We’re all in for Wisconsin

DFA utilizes strength of ground game as the election draws near

Burlington, VT – Today, Democracy for America (DFA) released its organizational goals for the final two weeks of the Wisconsin recall election, highlighting their continued support of the We Are Wisconsin campaign.  DFA, known for its strength in ground operations and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts has decided to go all in on the Wisconsin recall ground game.  

“We’ve known for a long time that the strength of our organization is our ground game,” said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America.  “With Super PACS drowning the airwaves in Wisconsin, people are tuning out.  We’re committing to knocking on over 80,000 doors in the next two weeks and making 100,000 calls in our efforts to recall Scott Walker.” 

In the 15 month long campaign Democracy for America has already:

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  • Knocked on 123,000 doors to identify Wisconsin voters who support the recall efforts;
  • Made over 382,000 phone calls in over 36 counties across the state; and
  • Over 2500 DFA members have volunteered their time to help in the recall efforts

“We are here to make a difference in the Wisconsin recall efforts,” Jim Dean continued. “The assault on working families started in Wisconsin but won’t end there.  Across the Nation more families are feeling the pinch where it counts – their pocketbooks because Republicans like Gov. Scott Walker are working for one thing – securing a fat check from big business and Super PACs.  We know this election will come down to democratic turn-out in Dane County and we’re focusing our entire efforts to make sure turnout is high.”

Democracy for America has been on the ground in Wisconsin fighting back and protecting working families for the past 15 months.  DFA organizers are leading three major get out the vote efforts in Racine, Madison and Eau Claire.

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America: The Grassroots Activate 22 Attorneys General to Overturn Citizens United

Released: May 21, 2012 1:13 PM

Burlington, VT – Today, Democracy for America (DFA), unveiled all 22 Attorneys General who support Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock’s brief urging the Supreme Court to reconsider the 2010 Citizens United decision.  Support of the brief was thought to be minimal, but with the help of DFA’s grassroots activists these 22 Attorneys General felt pressure – and stood up for democracy by signaling their support.  The brief currently has bipartisan support.  DFA concluded its grassroots efforts on Friday with petition deliveries in three states where the Attorneys General remain undecided – Florida, Oregon and Oklahoma.

"I’m incredibly proud of our work defending the democratic process in this country. Attorney General Steve Bullock’s brief lays out a very sound argument on why the Supreme Court made the wrong decision on Citizens United,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “This campaign was not about political wins and losses, left or right, or Democrats and Republicans.  The campaign was waged to defend the democratic process from big money and corporate influence.  Thanks go out to our 200,000 plus members who got involved in this campaign.” 

For nearly a century, the state of Montana has restricted corporate spending in elections – a direct conflict with the Citizens United ruling.  Late last year, the state’s Supreme Court upheld Montana’s law.  Bullock defended Montana’s 100 year-old law in court.

Montana Attorney General Bullock weighed in on the importance of campaign finance reform:

“Allowing corporations to spend unlimited amounts of shareholder money from the corporate treasury – rather than from the individual bank accounts of that corporation’s officers and key employees – is bad for our democracy, bad for the integrity of our elections and contrary to common-sense,” said Steve Bullock, Montana Attorney General.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed enforcement of Montana’s law while it the case is appealed before the High Court.  Democracy for America has taken steps to chip away Citizens United, first by collecting over 200,000 signatures supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Constitutional Amendment and now turning their efforts to the court.  During the campaign, DFA collected 105,640 member signatures and made over 1,200 member phone calls urging their Attorneys General to support Attorney General Bullock’s fight. 

A full list of supportive Attorneys General and the brief can be found here: http://scr.bi/KDs56p

Democracy for America and Governor Dean Applaud President Obama’s Endorsement of Marriage Equality

Released: May 9, 2012 3:59 PM

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2012                                       

Contact: Linsey Pecikonis
(202) 746-8426
lpecikonis@democracyforamerica.com

Democracy for America and Governor Dean Applaud President Obama’s Endorsement of Marriage Equality

With a single statement, President Obama moves the country and the Democratic Party forward

Burlington, VT – Today on the heels of President Obama’s announcement of his support for Marriage Equality for all Americans, Democracy for America (DFA) released the following statement praising the President’s evolution.

"President Obama's public support for marriage equality is an historic affirmation of the fundamental American value of equal rights for all,” said Governor Howard Dean, Founder of DFA. "Having signed the nation's first law allowing Civil Unions as Governor of Vermont, I'm also proud to see our president affirm the belief that I and so many other Americans hold: loving and committed couples should have the same benefits that are extended through marriage.  Marriage equality is a right and a benefit to all families.”

Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, echoed Governor Dean’s support of the President:

Jim Dean: “30 years from now we’ll look back on this moment as monumental.  With a simple statement from our President, ‘I think same sex couples should be able to get married,’ he broke political barriers and essentially said discrimination against loving and committed same sex couples is wrong.  As chair of an organization who has helped support marriage equality initiatives across the country, I applaud his support and look to the Democratic Party to fully support marriage equality and to end discrimination against our LGBT community.”

Democracy for America Urges North Carolinans to Vote Against Amendment 1

Released: Apr 25, 2012 4:53 PM

Democracy for America Urges North Carolinians to Vote Against Amendment 1

DFA Supports All North Carolina Families Asks Dems to do Same

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) joined alongside a growing number or organizations, businesses, and community members urging North Carolinians to vote NO on Amendment 1, a proposed amendment to North Carolina’s constitution that would deny legal rights to thousands of unmarried couples and their children, including thousands of same-sex couples.  Democracy for America has a strong track record supporting marriage equality throughout the country including advancing efforts for marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, New Jersey and New Hampshire.      

"Equality is not a privilege, it is a right,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “We cannot ask our gay and lesbian community members and their families to accept anything less than true equality - Amendment 1 is an attack on all families regardless of their make-up and should be voted down on May 8^th.”

“It is time that bigotry take a backseat to true equality,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA. “We are a country whose greatest strength is our ability to cherish all people, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.  Amendment 1 moves our country – and North Carolina in the wrong direction.”

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Wisconsin power players join forces with Democracy for America on Citizens United Campaign

Released: Apr 10, 2012 1:36 PM

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) announced that Russ Feingold and Wisconsin Senatorial Candidate Tammy Baldwin have signed onto their new campaign designed to dismantle the Citizens United decision.  The campaign calls on Attorneys General from across the United States to sign onto an amicus brief, a legal document being spearheaded by Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock, documenting the need to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court decision.

"Democrats from all over the country are joining our campaign to overturn the Citizens United decision,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Thanks to the efforts of Wisconsinites Tammy Baldwin and Russ Feingold, more people are getting involved and contacting their Attorneys General – we’ve already had over 100,000 members sign onto our petition.  It’s clear that unrestricted money corrupts our democratic process and leaves the middle class believing that their elected officials bought and paid for.  This corruption must end.”

Both Tammy Baldwin and Russ Feingold weighed in on the campaign:

Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Senatorial Candidate: “We cannot sit idly by while Washington fails to address the consequences of Citizens United.  In Wisconsin, we’ve seen the floodgates open on these corporate-fueled TV ads.  They are deceiving to voters and allowing corporations to play a disastrous role in our elections.”

Russ Feingold, Former Wisconsin Senator: “The Supreme Court overturned nearly 100 years of settled law with its disastrous Citizens United ruling, and created a roadmap for unlimited corporate money to corrupt out elections.  We know that corporate contributions have no place in American democracy and I’m proud that Progressives United supports Democracy for America’s efforts to stop Citizens United from dismantling the future of our democracy.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed enforcement of Montana’s law while the case is appealed before the High Court.  Democracy for America has taken steps to chip away Citizens United, first by collecting over 100,000 signatures supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Constitutional Amendment and now turning their efforts to the court.  In just three weeks, DFA has collected over 100,000 signatures from across the country urging their members Attorneys General to sign the amicus brief supporting Attorney General Bullock’s fight. 

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America Launches New Campaign to Attack Citizens United

Released: Apr 3, 2012 12:44 PM

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) launched a new campaign designed to dismantle the Citizens United decision decided by the Supreme Court in 2010.  The campaign takes on Citizens United internally through the court system and highlights Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock’s case before the U.S. Supreme Court.  The case directly challenges the two-year old ruling.  The campaign calls on Attorneys General from across the United States to sign onto an Amicus Brief documenting the need to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court decision.    

"Citizens United corrupts our democratic process,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “This campaign, courageously headed by Montana’s Attorney General Steve Bullock, demands that the Supreme Court address their decision that allowed undisclosed amounts of money to flow into our electoral process.  Corporations are not people and ordinary citizens should not be drowned out of democracy.”

Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock weighed in on the campaign:

Attorney General Steve Bullock: “The Citizens United decision opened the door to unlimited corporate spending in our national elections, and state and local elections could be the next to fall.  For the past two years, Americans have watched spending by anonymous, secretive Super PACs far outpace what candidates spend on elections.  It’s a fantasy to suggest these expenditures aren’t corrupting our political system.  I applaud Democracy for America’s efforts to make sure the voices of people still matter.”

For nearly a century, the state of Montana has restricted corporate spending in elections – a direct conflict with the Citizens United ruling.  Late last year, the state’s Supreme Court upheld Montana’s law.  Bullock defended Montana’s 100 year-old law in court. 

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed enforcement of Montana’s law while the case is appealed before the High Court.  Democracy for America has taken steps to chip away Citizens United, first by collecting over 100,000 signatures supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Constitutional Amendment and now turning their efforts to the court.  In just two weeks, DFA has collected 74,325 signatures from across the country urging their members Attorneys General to sign the Amicus Brief supporting Attorney General Bullock’s fight. 

Democracy for America: Elizabeth Warren the Right Choice for Massachusetts

Released: Mar 29, 2012 4:24 PM

Democracy for America: Elizabeth Warren the Right Choice for Massachusetts  

Burlington, VT - Today Democracy for America (DFA) released the following statement regarding the group's endorsement of Massachusetts Senate candidate, Elizabeth Warren.

"No one candidate has come under more scrutiny than Elizabeth Warren,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA. “Her role has always been to fight for working families against the corrupt interests of corporations and is the only candidate running for Senate in Massachusetts who will stand up for her constituents.”

Elizabeth Warren will rebuild America’s middle class by leveling the playing field that is stacked against the American people.  She will continue to hold Wall Street accountable, simplify regulations, push for a more fair tax code and reform campaign finance laws. 

“Warren has a strong history being one of Wall Street’s toughest watch dogs.  While K Street has had no problem with the influx of lobbyists knocking on Congress’ door, the American people do,” continued Hasan.  “This November, the people of Massachusetts can send a clear message to lobbyists on K Street – Elizabeth Warren is on the watch.”

Democracy for America endorses Franke Wilmer (MT At-Large)

Released: Mar 26, 2012 10:28 AM

Democracy for America Endorses Franke Wilmer

(MT At-Large)

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Franke Wilmer for Congress. Wilmer has a strong progressive record in Montana as a state legislator for Montana’s 64^th district.

"Franke is the kind of woman Montanan’s should send to Washington,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “She’s always been a fighter for middle class Montanans and understands that we can’t dismantle programs that made this country great.  Her candidacy will bring a true progressive to Washington representing the needs of her state.”

Franke Wilmer responded to the DFA endorsement with enthusiasm:

Franke Wilmer: “I’m thrilled to have Democracy For America’s endorsement! Having the support of DFA and all of their members will strengthen our campaign all the way through June 5th when we will be one step closer to taking back Montana’s Congressional Seat.  We must put Montanan’s back to work and end the attacks on the middle class and working families.  I'll work end the war on women because it distracts us from the real issues in Washington - rebuilding the economy and putting people back to work." 

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America endorses Matt Cartwright (PA-17)

Released: Mar 26, 2012 10:08 AM

Democracy for America Endorses Matt Cartwright (PA-17)

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Matt Cartwright for Congress. Cartwright continues to be a progressive champion for Pennsylvania’s 17^th district.

"Matt Cartwright is the right man for Congress,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “He is leading the charge against the fracking to protect clean air and clean water for working people in Pennsylvania communities.  Matt represents Pennsylvania’s middle class.” 

Cartwright is fighting the hydrofracking industry in Pennsylvania to protect our clean water, and will be a leader in Congress to eliminate the Halliburton loophole in the Clean Air Act. 

Matt Cartwright responded to the DFA endorsement with enthusiasm:

Matt Cartwright: “I am thrilled and humbled by this endorsement. DFA has been in a leader in fighting for the issues that matter to every Democrat.  I am running for Congress because I believe corporate America has taken advantage of working families and the middle class, and it needs to stop. I have spent my professional career protecting people and small business owners from the predatory lending practices of big banks and financial institutions. In Congress, my top priorities will be bringing jobs to northeast Pennsylvania, and making corporations and wealthy Americans pay their fair share of taxes.”