Democracy for America Endorses Roy Carter for the United States House of Representatives

Released: Apr 30, 2008 9:23 AM

Released: April 30, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, has endorsed Roy Carter's campaign for the United States House of Representatives.

"Roy Carter, unlike his Republican opponent, will be able to give the 5th Congressional District what it needs in Washington: a dedicated and intelligent advocate for working men and women," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.  "Roy Carter will represent all his constituents and not just big-money donors, corporate PACs, and lobbyists."

A native resident of Western North Carolina and a lifelong Democrat, Roy Carter has been a public school educator for the past 40 years. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Roy Carter was the Head Coach of the North Wilkes High School football team and has served the students of Ashe, Wilkes, and Surry counties—all of which are in the 5th Congressional District. Roy Carter has dedicated his life to educating young people and motivating them to achieve their goals by being a positive and affirming influence in their lives.  Leading by example, he has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, working to build homes for hard working families.  Through his leadership and innovation several student and community programs were created to combat drop-out rates, drug and alcohol abuse, and illiteracy.
 
As a Congressman, Roy Carter will give the people of the 5th Congressional District the leadership they need and deserve.  Mr. Carter will be the kind of Congressman who will stand up for what is right, tell you the plain truth, and never forget that the trust, needs, and best interests of his constituents are more important than anything any special interest could offer.

Roy Carter is committed to bridging the partisan divide that has polarized the 5th District and our country for too many years. Mr. Carter’s opponent, Virginia Foxx, is nothing more than a mean and out-of-touch mouthpiece for the Bush administration.  She has voted against such important legislation as the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Head Start, and aid to the victims of hurricane Katrina.

Her insensitivity to the needs and concerns of her constituents even extends to insulting relatives of soldiers who have been killed while bravely serving the United States in uniform in Iraq.  Rep. Foxx’s office, not only, refused to meet with Summer Lipford, a gold star mother in Statesville whose son, PFC Steven F. Sirko, was killed in Iraq, but went so far as to belittle Ms. Lipford’s fallen son.  Rep. Foxx’s office brushed Ms. Lipford off by saying that her son was just a paid volunteer and his death in Iraq was not worthy of a meeting.     

“I am proud to be the Democracy for America Grassroots All-Star and to have received the support of so many concerned citizens in our district and throughout our country,” said Roy Carter. “Voters are speaking loud and clear. They have responded to my campaign’s message by an overwhelming margin because they want a leader who believes that people always come before politics.”

Democracy for America is a key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.  DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Jerry McNerney in California’s 11th Congressional District.  

"Roy Carter served his community for 40 years as a public school teacher and coach and now he is ready to serve in the halls of Congress," said Daniel I. Medress, Communications Director of DFA.  "Roy Carter’s opponent, Virginia Foxx, has failed the 5th District time and again.  Roy Carter’s grassroots campaign and its commitment to the culture of activism will mop the floor with Virginia Foxx in November."

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Democracy for America Endorses Richard Holober for Assembly

Released: Apr 22, 2008 9:17 AM

Released: April 22, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, announced Tuesday that it has endorsed Richard Holober, Democrat for California’s 19th State Assembly seat.

"Richard Holober is a proven champion for better schools, environmental protection, and affordable health care.  Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.  "Richard Holober is just the type of leader we need in Sacramento."

Richard is an education leader who knows what it takes to improve California's public schools. He has 14 years of experience on the San Mateo County Community College Board and the Millbrae School Board. He successfully reduced classroom overcrowding and updated curriculum so students can be successful in a changing economy.

As a member of the State Assembly, Richard will stand up to the Republicans who are trying to cut education funding at all levels, including K-12, community colleges, state colleges and universities.

Richard Holober has been at the forefront in the fight for universal health care coverage and affordable prescription drugs, and he successfully fought for better protections for H.M.O. patients. He has the experience and independence to stand up to the insurance companies and drug companies.  

Richard will work hard to protect our air, land and water. He was a leader in the fight to stop the clear cutting of old-growth redwood forests, and has supported legislation to make toxic polluters pay for clean up costs. He has led the San Mateo County Community College District in its pioneering "green building" program for new classroom construction, which has dramatically reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

"I'm proud to be supported by Democracy for America, because it is a refection of my commitment to Democratic values," said Richard Holober. "As the grassroots Democratic candidate, DFA support means a great deal to me. Together we can prove that grassroots campaigning can overcome the biggest special interests -- and our victory will result in more progressive policy and good government.”

Democracy for America is the key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.  DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Jerry McNerney in California’s 11th Congressional District.   

"Richard Holober is a strong, progressive candidate with the skills and experience needed in the California Assembly," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.  "Richard Holober will be the people’s advocate for universal health care, education reform, and he will be a leader on issues like renewable energy and protecting the environment."

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Democracy for America Endorses Mark Leno for the California State Senate

Released: Apr 21, 2008 12:18 PM

Released: April 21, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, announced Monday that it has endorsed Mark Leno's campaign for the California State Senate.

"Mark Leno is a phenomenal candidate and a true champion of the grassroots.  Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.  "Mark Leno has a long record as an effective and dynamic progressive."

Elected to the Assembly in 2002, Mark Leno represents the 13th District, which encompasses the eastern portion of San Francisco.  He is one of the first two openly gay men ever elected to the Assembly.  He currently chairs the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which oversees all bills with a fiscal impact on the state. He also serves on the Election & Redistricting and Labor Committees. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Leno served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from April 1998 to November 2002.
 
While in the Assembly, Leno has fought for better schools and access to higher education, a cleaner and sustainable environment, universal affordable and quality health care, improved transportation, renewable energy, safer streets and equal rights for all Californians.
 
While on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Leno authored landmark legislation in the areas of affordable housing, universal health care for children, solar energy, late night entertainment, bond oversight, small business services, City CarShare, medical cannabis, equal access to services, and LGBT civil rights.
 
"This is going to be a tough race and I am incredibly proud to have the support of Democracy for America," said Mark Leno.  “My campaign is powered by the people of my District and DFA understands how important this is and that is why I know with their support we will be victorious."

Democracy for America is the key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.  DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Jerry McNerney in California’s 11th Congressional District.  

"Mark Leno will work for progressive solutions on renewable energy, universal health care, marriage equality, and Clean Money campaign finance reform," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.  "Mark Leno’s work as a community advocate, a county supervisor, and a state assemblymember shows that he has the experience and vision to deliver for his constituents and the state."

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Democracy for America Endorses Jimmy Dahroug for the New York State Senate

Released: Apr 21, 2008 12:13 PM

Released: April 21, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, has endorsed Jimmy Dahroug's campaign for the New York State Senate.
 
"Jimmy Dahroug has a long record of grassroots activism and he gives Democrats a real chance to gain control of the State Senate.  Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.  "Jimmy Dahroug knows that the party that empowers people will be the party in power."
 
Jimmy Dahroug currently serves as a County Executive Assistant in the Levy Administration. Jimmy acts as a liaison from the County Executive's office to the County Legislature's committees on Labor, Workforce and Affordable Housing; Economic Development, Higher Education, and Energy; and Consumer protection.

Jimmy led the effort to create the County Executive Gang Task Force which he chairs. He also played an instrumental role in creating the County Executive's Naming Rights Commission which has the potential to bring in additional revenue to the county. Jimmy helped create the first county carpool program which has lead to a significant reduction in emissions from county employee cars.

"I am incredibly proud to have the support of Democracy for America," said Jimmy Dahroug.  "Our victory will provide a historic opportunity to pass progressive, for-the-people legislation, after four long decades of Republican rule in our State legislature.  This race could very well be the most important in New York State, and DFA's grassroots support is key to victory."
 
Democracy for America is the key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.  DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Jerry McNerney in California’s 11th Congressional District.  
 
"Jimmy Dahroug’s commitment to progressive solutions for government reform, middle class tax relief, and expanding health care give Long Islanders a real choice in this election," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.  "Jimmy Dahroug is ready to serve the people with the kind of energy and vision they have not had for too long."

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Democracy for America Endorses Jack Markell for Governor

Released: Apr 10, 2008 12:09 PM

Released: April 10, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, announced Monday that it has endorsed Jack Markell's campaign for governor.
 
"Jack Markell has a proven record as Delaware’s State Treasurer, having worked on helping Delawareans of all income levels take control of their financial lives. Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.  "Jack Markell’s work as a public official and his experience in the private sector make him uniquely qualified to lead Delaware."
 
Jack Markell has been State Treasurer for nine years after having a very successful business career. He understands the diverse issues facing Delaware and has proposed bold solutions, such as guaranteeing every Delawarean will have affordable, quality health insurance and creating 25,000 jobs in his first term.
 
Jack Markell is ready to lead and bring the kind of change that is needed in Dover.  Jack has spent time in communities around the state, listening to Delawareans talk about their financial problems and has fought to implement changes that have a real impact on their lives. Over the past few years, he has worked to bring banking into Delaware’s schools, help people claim the tax credits they deserve and start new programs to improve healthcare for state workers. Additionally, he developed the Delaware Money School, which offers hundreds of free classes each year to teach people basic financial literacy skills at no cost to taxpayers.
 
After earning degrees in economics and development studies from Brown University, Jack took a job with the First National Bank of Chicago and went to school at night, earning an MBA from the University of Chicago. As the thirteenth employee of Nextel, he served as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and helped launched the company to global prominence.
 
"I am honored to be endorsed by Democracy for America; an organization committed to the kind of socially progressive and fiscally responsible ideology that drives my work," said Jack Markell.  "With DFA's help, we will take our message of positive change to all Delawareans."
 
Democracy for America is the key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.  DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Jerry McNerney in California’s 11th Congressional District.  
 
"Jack Markell is a strong, progressive candidate with the skills and experience needed in the state house," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.  "Jack Markell has a progressive vision for Delaware that will improve health care and education and the lives of its residents."

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Mario Diaz-Balart is Out of Touch

Released: Apr 10, 2008 11:57 AM

Released: April 10, 2008

Rep. Diaz-Balart lashes out at Joe Garcia

BURLINGTON, VT -- Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, endorsed Joe Garcia’s campaign to represent Florida’s 25th Congressional District because his mainstream, progressive approach stands in stark contrast to the reactionary views of failed Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.  Joe Garcia offers Floridians a real choice in this election cycle and his long record of service to the cause of Cuban freedom means that all Mario Diaz-Balart can bring to the table is character attacks and blustery language.  Unlike Mario Diaz-Balart, Joe Garcia is ready to lead on important issues like bringing health care to all Americans, expanding opportunities for good middle-class jobs, and ending the War in Iraq.

In yesterday’s Miami Herald, Mario Diaz-Balart accused Joe Garcia of being a left-wing extremist for associating with United States Congressman and Korean War hero Charles Rangel.  The reality is  Rep. Diaz-Balart is out of touch.  Rep. Diaz-Balart has no plan for health care, no plan to bring more jobs to South Florida, and has no plan to end the War in Iraq.  Rep. Diaz-Balart is a lapdog for the Bush administration and has consistently sided with the Ann Coulter wing of the Republican Party.

“No one has ever accused Rep. Diaz-Balart of being an effective Congressman, but his new attack on Joe Garcia shows what an empty suit he is,” said Daniel I. Medress, Communications Director for Democracy for America.  “Joe Garcia is talking about the issues that matter to South Floridians and Mario Diaz-Balart is running a negative campaign because he can’t talk about the issues because he has nothing to offer but failed leadership and empty rhetoric.”

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