Democracy for America Endorses Josh Skaller for New York City Council District 39

Released: Jun 17, 2009 1:35 PM

By Joe Frandino

Released: Tuesday, June 17, 2009

BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action community, endorsed Josh Skaller in the New York City Council District 39 race.

Gov. Howard Dean, founder of DFA, appeared with Skaller at a morning press conference at the campaign office of the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats. They later greeted subway riders at the F train’s 7th Avenuestop.

"I'm proud to endorse Josh Skaller for the New York City Council," said Gov. Dean. "He's the kind of strong progressive leader we need standing up for our values at the local level. I admire Josh's commitment to meeting voters in Brooklyn one at a time. Josh understands that politics should be about empowering ordinary people to engage in our democracy, whether it's giving small amounts of money or talking to their friends. "

Skaller, the only DFA-endorsed candidate in the race for District 39, is a long-time grassroots activist and has served as a director of the local volunteer DFA group, Democracy for New York City, for the last four years.

"On the New York City Council, Josh Skaller will work with fellow reform-minded leaders to affect real, lasting changes in the way the city conducts its business and relates to its citizens," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. "At a time when billionaire Mayor Bloomberg dominates city politics, Josh will use his position to empower like-minded local community groups and organizers and give them a strong voice at City Hall."

Democracy for America is a key endorsement in local races like this one, bringing in donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach. DFA has helped elect 578 progressives to office, from Senator Mark Begich in Alaska to Rep. Donna Edwards in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District.

"Josh knows New York is a place where true progressive leadership is really needed and where it has the potential to take hold and set the tone for the country," said Jim Dean. "Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign."

ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is our nation's largest progressive political action community. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.