Third Dean Dozen Announcement

Released: Jun 10, 2004 5:05 PM

BURLINGTON, VT - Today, Gov. Howard Dean and his organization, Democracy for America (www.democracyforamerica.com), endorsed twelve socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates that represent the spirit of grassroots democracy in this country - the "Dean Dozen."

On behalf of the candidates, Democracy for America will reach out to their supporters to inform them about the Dean Dozen. Many of these enthusiastic supporters have already expressed interest in financially supporting and volunteering for candidates Dean endorses.

"This installment of the Dean Dozen represents a diverse group of candidates fighting to take back the country from special interests," said Dean. "Among them are nurses, educators, environmentalists, and labor union activists. But more important, these twelve Americans are dedicated to changing politics as usual in this country."

Gov. Dean and Democracy for America have endorsed two sets of "Dean Dozen" candidates in the last month and will continue to endorse candidates until the November election. Candidates running at every level of government have seen an immediate impact from this powerful endorsement: Rob MacKenna, candidate for supervisor of elections in Hillsborough County, Fla. had 22,840 visits to his Web site the Friday after the endorsement, up from a daily average of 420. MacKenna is now receiving national attention for his Florida county race, including most recently a quote in the Wall Street Journal.

Democracy for America is a political action committee dedicated to using its resources to support candidates in their fight to take our country back from the right-wing conservatives who dominate our government. These will be tough races and not everyone on the Dean Dozen may win. However, they will all spread the message that bringing change to American politics is critically important.

The Dean Dozen are...

Jim Stork for United States Congress from Florida. Few congressional races have attracted so much attention so fast. Openly gay Stork announced his run in March and out-raised incumbent Clay Shaw by over $150,000 in the first quarter of this year. In 2000, Shaw barely won reelection by 599 votes. Democracy for America joins the Broward and Palm Beach County AFL-CIO chapters in enthusiastically endorsing Jim Stork. www.storkforcongress.com

Tami Green for Washington State House of Representatives. Four years ago first-time candidate Tami Green lost to a well-financed, incumbent Republican by only three percent. This year the seat is open. A nurse and SEIU member, Tami was inspired by Howard Dean to run again this year. www.tamigreen.com

Susan Clary for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor of Orange County, Fl. An award-winning member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Susan is knocking on doors across Orange County - raising the profile of her race and the office she seeks. As a conservation district supervisor Susan will work with landowners to conserve the natural resources held by private citizens in central Florida. www.susanclary.com

Eddgra Fallin for School Board in Huntsville, Al. Since helping to desegregate the Decatur, Al public schools as a child, Eddgra Hill Fallin has been working for equal access to academic excellence. A victory in Huntsville's non-partisan municipal elections on August 24 will mean she can continue the fight. www.eddgrafallin.com

Missy Taylor for Kansas House of Representatives. As a retired teacher and NEA member, Missy Taylor's first priority is a just finance plan that will fund an excellent education for all Kansas schools. Democrats need to outwork the Republicans in this district and the Taylor campaign needs volunteers to help register new voters this summer. www.taylorforkansas.com

Judge William O'Neill for Supreme Court of Ohio. "Money and judges don't mix. Never have and never will." That's why Judge O'Neill limits campaign contributions to $10. And that's why he wins races even when he is outspent more than ten-to-one. www.oneillforjustice.com

Patti Fritz for Minnesota State House District 26B. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "Patti Fritz is the sort of person you'd like caring for your parents as they grow old." This Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault and retired member of SEIU Local 113 came within 600 votes of victory in 2000. That strong showing has put her near the top of the target lists for 2004. http://pattifritz.smartcampaigns.com

Scott Kawasaki for Alaska State House. Fairbanks' youngest city councilman and a tireless opponent of certain provisions of the Patriot Act, Scott is moving on to a run for state house. www.scottforhouse.com

Paul Babbitt for United States Congress from Arizona. Arizona's first congressional district is one of the most competitive races in the country this year. And Babbitt is going to win because as a county supervisor who has called rural Arizona home for over 50 years, he knows what is important to people here. http://dfa.paulbabbitt.us

Lois Herr for United States Congress from Pennsylvania. Answering Howard Dean's call to challenge the far-right across the board, Lois Herr is challenging Joe Pitts - an anti-choice Republican who has reneged on his pledge to abide by a ten-year term limit. www.loisherr.us

James Whitaker for Michigan State House. The Republican Party of Michigan doesn't think very highly of Democracy for America. The Whitaker campaign gives Democracy for America an opportunity to prove the Republicans have every reason to worry. www.jameswhitaker.us

Edward Ableser for Arizona House of Representatives. Generation Dean's own Edward Ableser is running for state representative from Tempe, Ariz. He's walking every precinct in the district, knocking on doors and introducing himself and his issues: education and health care. www.eza2004.com

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