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Democracy for America Endorses Dan Maffei for United States House of Representatives
Released: June 30, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Dan Maffei’s campaign to represent New York’s 25th Congressional District. Two years ago, Dan came close to defeating incumbent Republican James Walsh. Rather than face a tough campaign again, Mr. Walsh announced his retirement in January. Dan’s likely challenger on the Republican ticket will be the lackluster Dale Sweetland.
“Dan Maffei has the public and private sector experience that the 25th District needs and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Dan Maffei knows progressive values on issues like jobs and health care will make Upstate New York and the whole country stronger.”
Dan Maffei is an accomplished leader in the private and public sectors. A proud graduate of Syracuse's public school system, Dan earned a Bachelor's Degree in History from Brown University and Masters Degrees from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Public service has always been a big part of Dan's life. He has worked for former Senator and New York Knick Bill Bradley, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Congressman Charles Rangel, the leader of New York's Congressional delegation, and Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll.
Dan now works as the Senior Vice President of Pinnacle Capital Management, LLC and he remains an active participant of the Spanish Action League, the Tech Central Community Advisory Board, and Donors Choose. Dan is a member of the DeWitt Rotary Club and a parishioner at Holy Cross Church. He is a former member of NABET Local 211 of the Communications Workers of America.
"I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America and its over 725,000 members across the country. Grassroots support will make the difference for my campaign to change the direction of Central and Upstate New York,” said Dan Maffei. “DFA members have the experience, passion, and commitment that we need to help us communicate our message to the voters of my district. Together, we can finally end the war in Iraq and bring good paying jobs back to the region."
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.
“Dan Maffei is ready on day one to work for an agenda that brings good paying jobs back to Upstate NewYork, fixes our broken health care system, and ends the disastrous foreign policy of George Bush, John McCain, and the Republican Party,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “While jobs were leaving Upstate New York and health care costs were soaring, James Walsh, Dale Sweetland, and the Republican Party did nothing. Dan Maffei’s experience, vision, and judgment make him the only choice on Election Day.”
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Democracy for America Endorses Linda Stender for United States House of Representatives
Released: June 27, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Linda Stender’s campaign to represent New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Two years ago, Linda came within 1% of defeating incumbent Republican Mike Ferguson. Rather than face a tough campaign again, Mr. Ferguson dropped out. Running in his place on the Republican ticket will be Bush lackey Leonard Lance.
“Linda Stender has a progressive record of public service that can’t be matched and Democracy for America is proud to endorse her campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Linda Stender has been at the forefront of progressive activism in New Jersey and she is ready to take her experience and judgment to Washington.”
Linda Stender and her husband Richard raised their three kids in Fanwood, NJ, a few blocks from where she grew up. Linda first got involved in public service when the Fanwood Borough Council was putting special interests before the needs of the people. So, she ran for office herself to reform local government and help her neighbors. And she won.
After serving on the Borough Council, Linda went on to serve as Mayor of her hometown and Freeholder of her county. Today, Linda is proudly serving her fourth term in the New Jersey General Assembly representing her neighbors in the 22nd Legislative District. In the state legislature, Linda spearheaded the effort to combat Global Warming. Linda Stender is also one of New Jersey’s strongest advocates for making our state a national leader for stem cell research.
“I am honored and thrilled to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America, an organization that shares my commitment to working together to take our country back,” said Linda Stender. “The Bush administration and Republicans in Washington have led our nation in the wrong direction, and I’m running for Congress to get us back on the right track. I look forward to working with the DFA community over the coming weeks and months to bring the change our families need.”
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.
“With Linda Stender in Congress we can make much needed progress on issues like revitalizing our economy, ending the War in Iraq, making the United States energy independent, and providing health care to all Americans,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Everyone deserves to be represented by someone who is responsive to their needs and concerns. When Linda Stender is elected, the residents of New Jersey’s 7th District will have that.”
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Democracy for America Endorses Mark Begich for United States Senate
Released: June 25, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Mark Begich’s campaign for the United States Senate. Begich is running against disgraced Senator Ted Stevens. Sen. Stevens is currently the target of several investigations regarding his ties to lobbyists and powerful business interests like the oil services company VECO.
“Mark Begich has shown as mayor of Anchorage he has the integrity and judgment to lead and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Mark Begich’s commitment to honesty and transparency and his record of success make him the only choice this November.”
Mark Begich, 46, is in his fifth year as mayor of Alaska’s largest city, which under his administration is in its 20th consecutive year of economic growth, has enjoyed a record building boom and is financially sound due to strong fiscal management. Begich, the city’s first mayor born in Anchorage, is the son of Alaska’s third congressman, Nick Begich, who in 1972, along with House Majority Leader Hale Boggs, disappeared while flying between Anchorage and Juneau.
As mayor, Begich is especially focused on transforming Anchorage into a progressive, international city capitalizing on its Pacific Rim location. Twice during Begich’s tenure – and for the first time in a generation - voters have passed every proposition on the city ballot, approving enormous investments in public facilities, public safety, parks and recreation and transportation.
Begich will bring his style of being open and accessible with him when he is elected to the U.S. Senate.
“I am pleased to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America and recognition of my work standing up for working families, not for special interests,” said Mark Begich. “Together we can bring great change to America and improve the lives of families from Alaska to Maine and everywhere in between.”
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.
“Mark Begich is ready to reform the corrupted and misguided ethics of the insider Washington culture,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Mark Begich is ready to do the hard work needed to make the United States energy independent, to make sure our struggling economy gets back on the right track, and to make sure we honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform.”
“Ted Stevens is part of the tired, old culture of incumbency that puts big money campaign contributors in the driver’s seat instead of the American people,” said Daniel I. Medress, Communications Director of Democracy for America. “Mark Begich will work for his constituents and be accountable to the high standards Ted Stevens is incapable of living up to.”
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Democracy for America Endorses Geoff McKim for Monroe County Council
Released: June 24, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, has endorsemed Geoff McKim’s campaign for the Monroe County Council.
“Geoff McKim will bring years of experience and insight to the Monroe County Council and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Geoff McKim is invested in representing his community and will advance progressive values that benefit his constituents.”
Geoff McKim is a 22-year resident of Monroe County, where he lives with his wife and their 10 year-old son. Geoff has been an IT professional for 20 years and currently works as a program manager and e-government consultant at TSC in Bloomington. Geoff is a community leader, active in the Monroe County Public Library Foundation, Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, Bloomington Transportation Options for People, Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County, and Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Citizen's Advisory Committee.
"I am proud to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America," said Geoff McKim. "DFA has been at the forefront of a grass roots effort to change the country, and I'm honored to be part of that effort."
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.
“Geoff McKim is ready to lead on the important issues like improving county government, supporting responsible development, promoting quality jobs and locally owned businesses, and reforming the Monroe County criminal justice system,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Geoff McKim is a dedicated community leader who will work tirelessly to improve Monroe County.”
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Democracy for America Endorses Sean Spence for Missouri State Representative
Released: June 23, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Sean Spence’s campaign to represent Missouri’s 25th State Representative district.
“Sean Spence is a true progressive fighter and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Missouri needs Sean Spence in Jefferson City to tackle problems like our broken health care system and a lack of quality jobs.”
Sean Spence, a 1993 graduate of the University of Missouri, runs a public relations and political consulting practice in Columbia. A part-time state employee, Sean is an advisor to State Auditor Susan Montee.
Sean Spence is a progressive, grassroots Democrat committed to ensuring that every Missourian is educated, employed, and insured. As an entrepreneur with a background in government and politics, Sean has the experience to put his plans into action from his first day in office.
"Since 2004, DFA has emerged as one of the most influential grassroots organizations in the Democratic Party," said Sean Spence. "DFA candidates tend to win and I am proud to be their first standard-bearer here in Missouri for this election season."
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. Missouri candidates who have won with DFA's support include Rep. Mike Frame, Sen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal.
“Sean Spence is running a grassroots campaign that puts people before special interests,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Sean Spence is already showing why his presence is needed in the General Assembly: he is committed to his constituents and a progressive agenda that places a premium on hard work and commonsense solutions.”
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Democracy for America Says No to FISA “Compromise”
Released: June 20, 2008
Jim Dean: “Will Speaker Pelosi show the leadership to do the right thing?”
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, this morning sent a message to its over 725,000 members asking them to call Speaker Nancy Pelosi to demand that she does not let the so-called FISA “compromise” bill come to a vote. DFA has been at the lead of efforts to block retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies that participated in President Bush’s program of illegal wiretapping on Americans.
“Listen, this bill is a sham,” said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. “The question is: will Speaker Pelosi show the leadership to do the right thing and stop this bill?”
In November of 2007, Sen. Harry Reid was forced, after his office received thousands of calls from Democracy for America members, to pull a FISA bill that included retroactive immunity from Senate consideration.
In the days before this year’s State of the Union address, DFA members funded a full-page New York Times ad that called on Senators Clinton and Obama to show leadership, return to Washington, and support the filibuster in opposition to this attempt at retroactive immunity. Again, retroactive immunity was defeated after the Senate failed to garner enough votes to block a filibuster.
And, in March, Democracy for America targeted House Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes. Rep. Reyes had indicated he was “open” to compromise on retroactive immunity. After thousands of calls to his offices in El Paso and Washington and a full-page ad in his district’s largest paper, Rep. Reyes though better of compromise. Rep. Reyes stood with Speaker Pelosi and his committee produced a bill that did not contain retroactive immunity.
“DFA members have stopped the Bush administration from giving telecom companies a get-out-of-jail-free card before and, now, they will do it again,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America.
“The folks who put this compromise together – Sen. Rockefeller (WV), Sen. Bond (MO), House Majority Leader Hoyer (MD), and House Minority Whip Blunt (MO) – are on the wrong side of American values,” said Daniel I. Medress, Communications Director of Democracy for America. “It is a betrayal of the fundamental ideals of our country. These guys need to decide whether they are on the side of the American people or President Bush.”
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Democracy for America Endorses Don Barber for New York State Senate
Released On: June 19, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Don Barber’s campaign for the New York State Senate.
“Don Barber has a long and impressive record as a public servant and businessman and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Don Barber is just the type of innovative, progressive person we need in Albany.”
Don Barber was born and raised on a family dairy farm in Danby, New York. The demands and joys of being part of a family farm instilled in him a life-long belief in the power of working hard to meet common goals. While Don was growing up, his father modeled civic responsibility by serving as a town councilman and town justice. Don learned by watching his father that it is each person’s responsibility to work for the good of the community.
In 1983, Don started his own construction firm, Sunny Brook Builders, with the goal of being recognized in the community for integrity, high quality work, and strong, well-rooted relationships. Twenty-four years later, Sunny Brook Builders has met and surpassed Don’s original goals, and is recognized as a premier builder in Tompkins County. Under Don’s leadership, Sunny Brook Builders is a living wage employer, an Energy Star builder, and a member of the Better Business Bureau.
Don has followed the example of his father and worked for the good of the community by serving on advisory boards since the early 1980s, as Town Councilman for four years, and now beginning his 11th year as Town Supervisor for the Town of Caroline.
"Democracy for America supports candidates who demonstrate broad-based community support. DFA has been a strong advocate for universal, quality, affordable health care. In addition, DFA has been a leader in the battle to resolve the global climate crisis. I am honored to have their endorsement of our grassroots campaign," said Don Barber
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.
“Don Barber has shown time and again, whether in his role as an elected official or as a small businessman, he has the vision and foresight to tackle tough issues and work to advance progressive values,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Don Barber will bring his years of experience to Albany for the benefit of his constituents and all New Yorkers.”
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Democracy for America Endorses Patrick Lindemann for Drain Commissioner
Released: June 18, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Patrick Lindemann’s campaign for Ingham County Drain Commissioner. Mr. Lindemann has served as the Drain Commissioner since 1993.
“Patrick Lindemann has served his constituents with distinction for 15 years in a position that does not get a lot of attention, but is vitally important to the everyday lives of Michiganders,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Patrick Lindemann is committed to protecting our environment while creating opportunities for sustainable eco-friendly development and we are proud to endorse his campaign.”
Patrick has lived and worked in Ingham County for his entire life. He began his career as a small-business owner in Lansing and was elected to the city council in 1979, where he served for 12 years. Among his accomplishments on City Council, was the passage of a recycling ordinance, the second of its kind in the country. Additionally, Patrick founded the Michigan Avenue Business Association and was a founding member of Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council.
Patrick received a Bachelor of Science in Resource Development from Michigan State University and is working on his Masters Degree. He was first elected to the position of Ingham County Drain Commissioner in 1993 and continues to serve the residents of Ingham County in that role. As our Drain Commissioner, Patrick has completed numerous projects to alleviate flooding and preserve our Counties natural resources. His work to create innovative eco-systems that serve as natural drainage areas in the Tollgate Drainage District has earned him international attention. He recently received the Clean Water Action 2007 Hero of the Great Lakes award for his unwavering commitment to clean water.
"I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America, a progressive organization that shares my values and dedication to preserving our natural resources for generations to come," said Patrick Lindemann
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.
“Patrick Lindemann’s progressive approach to water and resource issues is well-known and long-established,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Patrick Lindemann is doing tough, hard work and proving that progressive values have a place at all levels of government.”
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Come Together
Democracy for America Calls for Democratic Unity
BURLINGTON, VT -- DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation's largest progressive political action organization, today, in a message to its over 700,000 members, called on Democrats and progressives to unite behind Sen. Barack Obama as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. What started six months ago in the caucuses in Iowa has produced a phenomenal candidate who is ready to bring Americans together to end the War in Iraq, provide health care to all, and confront the very real threats of global climate change. Democrats, progressives, independents, and Republicans will come together to support Barack Obama and defeat John McCain and the failed policies of George W. Bush.
"This has been a nomination process that no one could have predicted, but it is a process that was controlled by empowered voters who want to put an end to the disastrous leadership of President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and Sen. McCain," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "Over 35 million voters participated in Democratic primaries and caucuses because they were energized by the candidates and because they are ready for a change from the discredited and shortsighted Republican vision."
In his message to Democracy for America's members, Jim Dean wrote, "Last night, Barack Obama won the delegates necessary to become the Democratic Nominee. This historic victory is a testament to your hard work and dedication. We're moving America forward into a new era of progressive leadership."
"We are witnesses to an historic and transparent process that has strengthened the Democratic Party and provided us with a candidate who will defeat John McCain and move America back to a position of leadership in the world," said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. "Now that the primaries and caucuses are done, as Democrats, as progressives, as Americans we must unite behind our nominee and work as hard as we can to win the White House and change the world."
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Daniel I. Medress
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