Democracy for America Announces the First DFA-List

Released: Mar 28, 2005 4:13 PM

First Round of Candidate Endorsements in 2005

BURLINGTON, VT - Today, Democracy for America (DFA) announced the first "DFA-List, Candidates for America," of 2005. The DFA-Listers are fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates dedicated to changing America from the bottom up. The DFA-List was formerly known as the "Dean Dozen."

"The candidates in this first round of endorsements represent the true spirit of democracy and hold true to the values of our organization," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "We are proud to put our financial and volunteer support behind them."

The DFA-List Candidates are:

Andres Ramirez for Mayor of North Las Vegas. Andres is a grassroots Nevadan with years of voter outreach experience. In 2004, he traveled to Iowa and New Hampshire to help on Howard Dean's presidential campaign. He is a first-time office seeker with union backing and is dedicated to uniting the many diverse communities of North Las Vegas. The election is June 7, 2005. www.andresramirez.com

Harvey Johnson, Jr. for Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. Harvey was elected the first African-American Mayor of Jackson in June of 1997. He is dedicated to lowering crime rates, workers' rights and promoting economic development throughout the city of Jackson. Johnson is a Democrat out of conviction, not convenience. The primary election is May 3, 2005 and the general election is June 7, 2005. www.mayorharveyjohnson.com

LeAnna Washington for Pennsylvania State Senate. Rep. Washington is running in a special election to fill the seat vacated by 2004 Dean Dozen candidate and current U.S. Congresswoman, Allyson Schwartz. She has served 12 years in the State House and chairs the Black Legislative Caucus. She has received endorsements from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, and the Philadelphia School Police Union. The election is May 17, 2005. www.leanna4pasenate.com

Democracy for America is taking our country back from the special interests who dominate government today. DFA and DFA-List candidates are spreading the message that to change America, Democrats and progressives must compete.