Gov. Howard Dean and Democracy for America Endorse Thirteen Candidates - The Dean "Baker's" Dozen

Released: Jun 24, 2004 12:15 PM

BURLINGTON, VT-Today, Gov. Howard Dean and his organization, Democracy for America (www.democracyforamerica.com), endorsed the fourth set of Dean Dozen candidates. These candidates are socially progressive, fiscally conservative and represent the true spirit of grassroots democracy in this country.

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

"This group of candidates is a collection of people who have won the support of grassroots activists all over the country," said Dean. "They are the future of the Democratic Party - candidates powered by the people and for the people. With these candidates, the end of government by and for the special interests is near."

Democracy for America is 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...

Nancy Farmer for United States Senate from Missouri. Dean campaigned with Farmer in St. Louis and Kansas City recently. She is a progressive up against one of George W. Bush's staunchest conservative allies. www.nancyfarmer.com

Debra Sasser for Wake County, NC District Court Judge. As an attorney, Sasser has fought for children and family rights. There are very few Democratic judges in North Carolina - and it is about time we start electing some good progressive ones. www.debrasasser.com

Dana Rasch for Florida State Representative. As a 1st Lt. and casualty officer in the United States Marine Corps it was Rasch's solemn responsibility to inform parents about the loss of their loved ones in Iraq. A day after earning an honorable discharge in December 2003, Rasch went to work on Dean's presidential campaign. Now he is committed to improving the lives of the people of Florida's 26th district by running for office himself. www.danarasch2004.com

Fran Egbers for New Hampshire State Representative. After volunteering countless hours for Dean for America in New Hampshire, great-grandmother Egbers is now running to represent the people of Manchester she met on the trail. www.franegbers.com.

Peter Buckley for Oregon State Representative. Few people are more committed to getting people involved in their democracy than Buckley. Buckley has been active in grassroots organizing and improving community life for 20 years. He has a great shot of winning this seat, as registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. www.peterbuckley.org

Nate Hogan for Kansas State Senate. The Kansas Senate needs people like Nate Hogan whose priorities are public education, economic development and equal rights for all. And yet, in Kansas, Hogan has a tough fight on his hands. www.natehoganforkansas.com

Anne Wolfe, Steve Brozak, Amy Vasquez and Herb Conaway for United States Congress from New Jersey. The grassroots activists of New Jersey for Democracy (www.njfordemocracy.org) recommend Wolfe, Brozak, Vasquez and Conaway for Congress. And they are on the front lines of the fight to win back the House of Representatives. Each of these dynamic leaders is ready to go to Washington and stand for universal health care. www.wolfe2004congress.com, www.stevebrozakforcongress.com, www.amyvasquez.com and www.herbconawayforcongress.campaignoffice.com

Charlie Smith for South Carolina State House. A South Carolina native, Smith worked tirelessly for Dean during his race for the presidency. Now Smith has answered the call again and is running for the state legislature. A successful businessman, Smith has great ideas for bringing jobs back to South Carolina, balancing the state budget, fully funding Medicare and preserving the environment. Smith will stand up to his opponent on civil rights and fight for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community. www.friendsofcharliesmith.com

Re-elect Charley Murphy and Bill Straus Massachusetts State Representatives. They continue their drive for better health care, a cleaner environment and a public school system that provides every student an excellent education. Join Dean and Representatives Murphy and Straus at a morning reception in their honor July 27 in Boston. www.repmurphy.com and www.repstraus.com

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