Democracy for America Endorses Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch

Released: Feb 13, 2006 1:13 PM

BURLINGTON, VT -- During a press conference this morning, Democracy for America (DFA) Chair Jim Dean announced the endorsement of Bernie Sanders for United States Senate and Peter Welch for United States Congress, making them the newest members of the "DFA-List, Candidates for America."

"Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch have been working with our supporters, and for our supporters for decades, said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "We are excited to continue our work together to put these two great leaders from the Green Mountain state into the halls of Congress on November 7th."

Congressman Bernie Sanders said: "I'm pleased to accept the endorsement of Democracy for America for my campaign for the U.S. Senate. We need to work together to take on the right-wing Bush Administration that has divided America and favored the wealthy and corporations over working people."

He continued by saying, "One of the great challenges of our time is to involve ordinary people, especially young folks, in the democratic process. I've been very impressed with the ability of Democracy for America to create excitement about grassroots politics and to use the internet to find new ways to engage the next generation in our political process. I look forward to working with them on this campaign."

"I am honored to receive this endorsement from DFA, an organization that represents the best of our democratic activism," said State Senator Peter Welch. "As Governor Dean has said, you have the power from the grassroots up, race by race, to win back control of Congress and reestablish a critical check and balance in Washington."

"Together, we will elect new leadership in Washington that will focus on the important issues neglected by the Republican leadership: health care for every American, greater energy independence and a return to fiscal responsibility. I look forward to working with DFA activists around the state to ensure Vermont does its part to bring change to Washington."

Longtime DFA activist and Franklin county resident, Rev. Linda Maloney also spoke at the press conference. She was joined by Democracy for America members from across the state.

To learn more about other DFA-List candidates, visit: http://www.dfalist.com.