Democracy for America Endorses Four Progressive Women for Congress

Released: Feb 23, 2006 9:27 AM

BURLINGTON, VT -- Yesterday, Democracy for America (DFA) announced its endorsement of Francine Busby, Lois Murphy, Mary Jo Kilroy and Christine Cegelis for United States Congress -- making them the newest members of the DFA-List, Candidates for America. These four women all share DFA's values of fiscal responsibility, social progress and grassroots activism.

"We are honored to extend Democracy for America's endorsement to these four progressive women running for United States Congress," said Jim Dean, chair of Democracy for America. "Their commitment to putting an end to pay-to-play politics and restoring integrity to our political process is just what the halls of Congress needs, and America needs to move in the right direction."

Francine Busby for United States Congress for California's 50th District. Busby is running in the April 11th special election for Randy "Duke" Cunningham's Southern California congressional seat. In November, Cunningham resigned in disgrace after pleading guilty in federal court to bribery and tax evasion. As a congresswoman, Busby will restore honesty and integrity to Washington by putting an end to pay-to-play politics. http://www.busbyforcongress.com/

Lois Murphy for United States Congress for Pennsylvania's 6th District. In 2004, Murphy came within 2 points of defeating Republican incumbent Jim Gerlach. Now, she's back for a rematch and is fighting for important causes: reducing the cost of health care, investing in an excellent education system, preserving the environment and improving security both at home and abroad. This 2004 "Dean Dozen" candidate is going to fight to improve the lives of all Pennsylvania families. http://www.loismurphy.org/

Christine Cegelis for United States Congress for Illinois's 6th District. As a "Dean Dozen" candidate in 2004, Christine came within just a few points of toppling 30-year Republican incumbent Rep. Henry Hyde. This year Hyde is retiring and Christine is running again in a tough Democratic primary. The DCCC is behind another candidate, but Christine has earned the support of DFA groups across Illinois and the country. http://www.cegelisforcongress.com/

Mary Jo Kilroy for United States Congress for Ohio's 15th District. After winning her 2004 race for Franklin County Commissioner with the support of DFA, Mary Jo is now challenging incumbent Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, the chair of the GOP Conference and the fourth-highest ranking Republican in the House of Representatives. As a congresswoman Kilroy will serve as more than just a rubber stamp, she will be a voice for all Ohioans and Americans, and fight for their interests, not the special interests. http://kilroyforcongress.com/

Democracy for America is a political action committee dedicated to taking our country back from the special interests who dominate government today and putting it back in the hands of the people. DFA and DFA-List candidates are spreading the message that to change America, we must fight from the ground up. To learn more about other DFA-List candidates, visit: http://www.dfalist.com.

Democracy for America Endorses Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch

Released: Feb 13, 2006 1:13 PM

BURLINGTON, VT -- During a press conference this morning, Democracy for America (DFA) Chair Jim Dean announced the endorsement of Bernie Sanders for United States Senate and Peter Welch for United States Congress, making them the newest members of the "DFA-List, Candidates for America."

"Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch have been working with our supporters, and for our supporters for decades, said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "We are excited to continue our work together to put these two great leaders from the Green Mountain state into the halls of Congress on November 7th."

Congressman Bernie Sanders said: "I'm pleased to accept the endorsement of Democracy for America for my campaign for the U.S. Senate. We need to work together to take on the right-wing Bush Administration that has divided America and favored the wealthy and corporations over working people."

He continued by saying, "One of the great challenges of our time is to involve ordinary people, especially young folks, in the democratic process. I've been very impressed with the ability of Democracy for America to create excitement about grassroots politics and to use the internet to find new ways to engage the next generation in our political process. I look forward to working with them on this campaign."

"I am honored to receive this endorsement from DFA, an organization that represents the best of our democratic activism," said State Senator Peter Welch. "As Governor Dean has said, you have the power from the grassroots up, race by race, to win back control of Congress and reestablish a critical check and balance in Washington."

"Together, we will elect new leadership in Washington that will focus on the important issues neglected by the Republican leadership: health care for every American, greater energy independence and a return to fiscal responsibility. I look forward to working with DFA activists around the state to ensure Vermont does its part to bring change to Washington."

Longtime DFA activist and Franklin county resident, Rev. Linda Maloney also spoke at the press conference. She was joined by Democracy for America members from across the state.

To learn more about other DFA-List candidates, visit: http://www.dfalist.com.

United Against Poverty Conference with Keynote Address by Former Sen. John Edwards

Released: Feb 2, 2006 1:11 PM

BURLINGTON, VT -- On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the University of Vermont (UVM) will host "United Against Poverty," a conference in partnership with Democracy for America, State Senator Matt Dunne, the City of Burlington, AARP Vermont, and the UVM Political Science Department. The conference will feature leaders in Vermont's fight to eradicate poverty, as well as former Senator John Edwards, the 2004 Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

The conference will commence at 9:30 am with an introduction by Mayor Peter Clavelle at the Mann Auditorium. Sen. John Edwards will deliver the keynote address at 12:45 pm at the Ira Allen Chapel on the UVM central campus.

"Poverty remains a critical issue facing Vermont," said Sen. Dunne. "We have some of the most innovative organizations in the country leading the charge in the fight against poverty. Senator Edwards has dedicated his efforts to the issues of poverty since his bid for Vice President, and I am delighted that he has chosen to join us for a day to take stock of where we are, share strategies, and determine ways to make our efforts more successful in ensuring that every Vermonter has a chance to succeed." Dunne was the Director of AmeriCorps*VISTA during the Clinton administration.

"For 25 years, the City of Burlington has been at the forefront of innovative efforts to create perpetually affordable housing, ensure livable wages, and address the needs of low-income people," said Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle. "We are pleased to co-host this conference and look forward to a day of sharing our strategies, learning from others, and, together, redoubling our commitment to ending poverty in Vermont."

Other conference speakers include: Con Hogan, Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Social Policy; Jane Knitzer, Director of the Center for Children in Poverty; and David Murphey, Senior Policy Analyst for the Vermont Agency of Human services.

Doors will close at 12:40pm for Sen. John Edwards' keynote address. For more information, contact Noreen Nielsen at (802) 651-3200, ext. 148 or NNielsen@democracyforamerica.com.