The Sixth Dean Dozen

Published: Aug 11, 2004 9:28 AM

DFA Executive Director Tom McMahon just sent this email to DFA supporters.

The Dean Dozens are off, running... and winning! Since our last announcement several Dean Dozen candidates have crossed major milestones and made major headlines.

• Dean Dozen candidates played important roles at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, with United States Senate candidate Barack Obama and Congressional candidate Steve Brozak delivering keynote addresses.

• In Georgia, Judge Gail Tusan fought back a conservative onslaught and won re-election on July 20. Following her support of equal rights for gay and lesbian couples, State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan was challenged in a primary, and won with 87% of the vote.

• In North Carolina, Debra Sasser won her place on the Wake County District Court general election ballot and State Senate candidate Julia Boseman won the Democratic primary for the 9th District.

• In Missouri, Maria Chappelle-Nadal won her closely fought primary to become the Democratic nominee for the 72nd State House District.
  

In this week's Dean Dozen are yet more candidates that share Democracy for America's socially progressive, fiscally responsible values:

Regis Leiss for Nevada State Assembly. Regis followed Governor Dean's call for progressive candidates to run against ultra conservatives and decided to oppose a third-term right-wing extremist. The district is tough, but Regis is fighting back door-to-door for important causes: keeping nuclear waste off Nevada roads, improving school funding and clean alternative energy sources. This grandmother in tennis shoes is going to fight for a better future for Nevada's children. www.regisleiss4assembly.com

John Lynch for Governor of New Hampshire. As Governor, John Lynch will rid New Hampshire state government of Enron-style ethics; work to make sure every child has health insurance; strengthen New Hampshire's commitment to education; and work to make college more affordable. www.johnlynch04.com

Betty Castor for United States Senate from Florida. In addition to being the best of the Democratic candidates in the primary, Betty is also the target of some horrible "independent expenditure" campaigns (much like Howard Dean was the victim of such low-ball tactics during the Iowa caucuses). Her campaign is bringing the people of Florida together, but she needs national support to keep the seat Democratic. www.bettynet.com

Peter Clavelle for Governor of Vermont. Mayor Clavelle is campaigning hard to fill the office once held by Governor Howard Dean. Focusing on health care and the Republican incumbent's failure to deliver on this issue, Peter has a real chance to return the Vermont governorship to Democratic control. www.clavelleforgovernor.com

Bob Ayala for Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff. It's time to change sheriffs in Maricopa County. And Bob Ayala is the candidate with the experience and the platform to make that change. In a state as important as Arizona in this election, local races like Bob's are what will make the difference in the national drive to get out the vote. www.bobayalaforsheriff.com

Patsy Keever for Congress from North Carolina. Retired public school teacher Patsy Keever needs your help today. The Republican incumbent in the 11th Congressional District is a rubber stamp for George W. Bush... and we can change that. Democracy for America joins the grassroots of Democracy for North Carolina in enthusiastically backing Patsy Keever in her race to take back North Carolina. www.keeverforcongress.com

Lyla Berg, Pono Chong and Josh Green for State Representative in Hawaii. Two years ago, for the first time in half a century, Hawaii elected a Republican Governor. The only thing that stands in the way of the governor's assault on important issues is a thin majority in the Hawaii State Legislature, capable of overriding her vetoes. Three outstanding candidates who are running to unseat ultra-conservative Republican incumbents in the Hawaii State House have the progressive values to protect Hawaii's democratic tradition. Lyla Berg, a school teacher, principal, PhD, and nonprofit coordinator is running to replace a Republican who voted against collective bargaining and the rights of public school teachers. Pono Chong, a young progressive of Native Hawaiian ancestry, with deep roots in the community and a commitment to local public schools is running against a Republican incumbent who defends the policies of George W. Bush. And Josh Green, M.D., a rural doctor and community activist who has worked to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa and now practices medicine in underserved areas of Hawaii is running against a Republican incumbent who is among the most conservative in the state. www.lylaberg.com, www.ponochong.com, www.joshgreen.org

Suzanne Williams for Colorado State Senate. Democracy for Colorado supports socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates who speak honestly and represent their constituents, not the special interests. State Representative Suzanne Williams is running for the State Senate to bring a moderate, mainstream balance back to the Colorado legislature. A retired special education teacher, Suzanne has spent the last eight years fighting to fully fund public education, aid small and new businesses, and keep our communities safe. A win here and the Democrats take control of the state senate! www.suzannewilliamsforsenate.com

Deborah Heinrich for State Representative in Connecticut. Deborah Heinrich is running in the 101st district, representing Madison and parts of North Guilford. She is running on a strong platform of fully funding the education system and addressing the environmental concerns of her community. Let's help get the 101st back on track, by sending Deb to Hartford! www.deborahheinrich.com

Mary Jo Kilroy for Franklin County, Ohio Commissioner. After surprising the pundits four years ago, Mary Jo is running for re-election. It will be close. But this is an important race nationally because Mary Jo can turn out the Democratic vote in this swing county of this swing state in this critical election. www.maryjokilroy.com

Let's get to work for these great candidates!

A final important note: The last edition of the Dean Dozen for 2004 will be announced the week of August 23. If your favorite candidate hasn't been endorsed yet, be certain he or she completes the Democracy for America candidate questionnaire. The nomination period closes August 14.