Democracy for America and Governor Dean Applaud President Obama’s Endorsement of Marriage Equality

Released: May 9, 2012 3:59 PM

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2012                                       

Contact: Linsey Pecikonis
(202) 746-8426
lpecikonis@democracyforamerica.com

Democracy for America and Governor Dean Applaud President Obama’s Endorsement of Marriage Equality

With a single statement, President Obama moves the country and the Democratic Party forward

Burlington, VT – Today on the heels of President Obama’s announcement of his support for Marriage Equality for all Americans, Democracy for America (DFA) released the following statement praising the President’s evolution.

"President Obama's public support for marriage equality is an historic affirmation of the fundamental American value of equal rights for all,” said Governor Howard Dean, Founder of DFA. "Having signed the nation's first law allowing Civil Unions as Governor of Vermont, I'm also proud to see our president affirm the belief that I and so many other Americans hold: loving and committed couples should have the same benefits that are extended through marriage.  Marriage equality is a right and a benefit to all families.”

Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, echoed Governor Dean’s support of the President:

Jim Dean: “30 years from now we’ll look back on this moment as monumental.  With a simple statement from our President, ‘I think same sex couples should be able to get married,’ he broke political barriers and essentially said discrimination against loving and committed same sex couples is wrong.  As chair of an organization who has helped support marriage equality initiatives across the country, I applaud his support and look to the Democratic Party to fully support marriage equality and to end discrimination against our LGBT community.”

Democracy for America Urges North Carolinans to Vote Against Amendment 1

Released: Apr 25, 2012 4:53 PM

Democracy for America Urges North Carolinians to Vote Against Amendment 1

DFA Supports All North Carolina Families Asks Dems to do Same

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) joined alongside a growing number or organizations, businesses, and community members urging North Carolinians to vote NO on Amendment 1, a proposed amendment to North Carolina’s constitution that would deny legal rights to thousands of unmarried couples and their children, including thousands of same-sex couples.  Democracy for America has a strong track record supporting marriage equality throughout the country including advancing efforts for marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, New Jersey and New Hampshire.      

"Equality is not a privilege, it is a right,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “We cannot ask our gay and lesbian community members and their families to accept anything less than true equality - Amendment 1 is an attack on all families regardless of their make-up and should be voted down on May 8^th.”

“It is time that bigotry take a backseat to true equality,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA. “We are a country whose greatest strength is our ability to cherish all people, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.  Amendment 1 moves our country – and North Carolina in the wrong direction.”

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Wisconsin power players join forces with Democracy for America on Citizens United Campaign

Released: Apr 10, 2012 1:36 PM

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) announced that Russ Feingold and Wisconsin Senatorial Candidate Tammy Baldwin have signed onto their new campaign designed to dismantle the Citizens United decision.  The campaign calls on Attorneys General from across the United States to sign onto an amicus brief, a legal document being spearheaded by Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock, documenting the need to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court decision.

"Democrats from all over the country are joining our campaign to overturn the Citizens United decision,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Thanks to the efforts of Wisconsinites Tammy Baldwin and Russ Feingold, more people are getting involved and contacting their Attorneys General – we’ve already had over 100,000 members sign onto our petition.  It’s clear that unrestricted money corrupts our democratic process and leaves the middle class believing that their elected officials bought and paid for.  This corruption must end.”

Both Tammy Baldwin and Russ Feingold weighed in on the campaign:

Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Senatorial Candidate: “We cannot sit idly by while Washington fails to address the consequences of Citizens United.  In Wisconsin, we’ve seen the floodgates open on these corporate-fueled TV ads.  They are deceiving to voters and allowing corporations to play a disastrous role in our elections.”

Russ Feingold, Former Wisconsin Senator: “The Supreme Court overturned nearly 100 years of settled law with its disastrous Citizens United ruling, and created a roadmap for unlimited corporate money to corrupt out elections.  We know that corporate contributions have no place in American democracy and I’m proud that Progressives United supports Democracy for America’s efforts to stop Citizens United from dismantling the future of our democracy.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed enforcement of Montana’s law while the case is appealed before the High Court.  Democracy for America has taken steps to chip away Citizens United, first by collecting over 100,000 signatures supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Constitutional Amendment and now turning their efforts to the court.  In just three weeks, DFA has collected over 100,000 signatures from across the country urging their members Attorneys General to sign the amicus brief supporting Attorney General Bullock’s fight. 

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America Launches New Campaign to Attack Citizens United

Released: Apr 3, 2012 12:44 PM

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) launched a new campaign designed to dismantle the Citizens United decision decided by the Supreme Court in 2010.  The campaign takes on Citizens United internally through the court system and highlights Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock’s case before the U.S. Supreme Court.  The case directly challenges the two-year old ruling.  The campaign calls on Attorneys General from across the United States to sign onto an Amicus Brief documenting the need to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court decision.    

"Citizens United corrupts our democratic process,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “This campaign, courageously headed by Montana’s Attorney General Steve Bullock, demands that the Supreme Court address their decision that allowed undisclosed amounts of money to flow into our electoral process.  Corporations are not people and ordinary citizens should not be drowned out of democracy.”

Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock weighed in on the campaign:

Attorney General Steve Bullock: “The Citizens United decision opened the door to unlimited corporate spending in our national elections, and state and local elections could be the next to fall.  For the past two years, Americans have watched spending by anonymous, secretive Super PACs far outpace what candidates spend on elections.  It’s a fantasy to suggest these expenditures aren’t corrupting our political system.  I applaud Democracy for America’s efforts to make sure the voices of people still matter.”

For nearly a century, the state of Montana has restricted corporate spending in elections – a direct conflict with the Citizens United ruling.  Late last year, the state’s Supreme Court upheld Montana’s law.  Bullock defended Montana’s 100 year-old law in court. 

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed enforcement of Montana’s law while the case is appealed before the High Court.  Democracy for America has taken steps to chip away Citizens United, first by collecting over 100,000 signatures supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Constitutional Amendment and now turning their efforts to the court.  In just two weeks, DFA has collected 74,325 signatures from across the country urging their members Attorneys General to sign the Amicus Brief supporting Attorney General Bullock’s fight. 

Democracy for America: Elizabeth Warren the Right Choice for Massachusetts

Released: Mar 29, 2012 4:24 PM

Democracy for America: Elizabeth Warren the Right Choice for Massachusetts  

Burlington, VT - Today Democracy for America (DFA) released the following statement regarding the group's endorsement of Massachusetts Senate candidate, Elizabeth Warren.

"No one candidate has come under more scrutiny than Elizabeth Warren,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA. “Her role has always been to fight for working families against the corrupt interests of corporations and is the only candidate running for Senate in Massachusetts who will stand up for her constituents.”

Elizabeth Warren will rebuild America’s middle class by leveling the playing field that is stacked against the American people.  She will continue to hold Wall Street accountable, simplify regulations, push for a more fair tax code and reform campaign finance laws. 

“Warren has a strong history being one of Wall Street’s toughest watch dogs.  While K Street has had no problem with the influx of lobbyists knocking on Congress’ door, the American people do,” continued Hasan.  “This November, the people of Massachusetts can send a clear message to lobbyists on K Street – Elizabeth Warren is on the watch.”

Democracy for America endorses Franke Wilmer (MT At-Large)

Released: Mar 26, 2012 10:28 AM

Democracy for America Endorses Franke Wilmer

(MT At-Large)

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Franke Wilmer for Congress. Wilmer has a strong progressive record in Montana as a state legislator for Montana’s 64^th district.

"Franke is the kind of woman Montanan’s should send to Washington,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “She’s always been a fighter for middle class Montanans and understands that we can’t dismantle programs that made this country great.  Her candidacy will bring a true progressive to Washington representing the needs of her state.”

Franke Wilmer responded to the DFA endorsement with enthusiasm:

Franke Wilmer: “I’m thrilled to have Democracy For America’s endorsement! Having the support of DFA and all of their members will strengthen our campaign all the way through June 5th when we will be one step closer to taking back Montana’s Congressional Seat.  We must put Montanan’s back to work and end the attacks on the middle class and working families.  I'll work end the war on women because it distracts us from the real issues in Washington - rebuilding the economy and putting people back to work." 

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America endorses Matt Cartwright (PA-17)

Released: Mar 26, 2012 10:08 AM

Democracy for America Endorses Matt Cartwright (PA-17)

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Matt Cartwright for Congress. Cartwright continues to be a progressive champion for Pennsylvania’s 17^th district.

"Matt Cartwright is the right man for Congress,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “He is leading the charge against the fracking to protect clean air and clean water for working people in Pennsylvania communities.  Matt represents Pennsylvania’s middle class.” 

Cartwright is fighting the hydrofracking industry in Pennsylvania to protect our clean water, and will be a leader in Congress to eliminate the Halliburton loophole in the Clean Air Act. 

Matt Cartwright responded to the DFA endorsement with enthusiasm:

Matt Cartwright: “I am thrilled and humbled by this endorsement. DFA has been in a leader in fighting for the issues that matter to every Democrat.  I am running for Congress because I believe corporate America has taken advantage of working families and the middle class, and it needs to stop. I have spent my professional career protecting people and small business owners from the predatory lending practices of big banks and financial institutions. In Congress, my top priorities will be bringing jobs to northeast Pennsylvania, and making corporations and wealthy Americans pay their fair share of taxes.”

Democracy for America endorses Mark Takano (CA-41)

Released: Mar 14, 2012 10:02 AM

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Mark Takano for Congress. Mark is a true progressive champion fighting to protect the community needs in California’s 41st District.

"It is a great privilege to endorse Mark Takano for Congress,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Mark has the courage and tenacity to change the tone in Washington.  He has continuously fought for the rights middle class Californians and is the kind of leader we need right now.”

Mark Takano responded to the DFA endorsement with enthusiasm:

Mark Takano: “I am excited and honored to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America.  I look forward to working with DFA to advance the priorities of my district: creating jobs for middle class families, improving schools so that our children can compete in the new economy, and cleaning up our air quality so everyone in the Inland Empire can breathe a bit more easily. Together, we can put the needs of hardworking Americans back on the agenda in Washington.”

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Democracy for America Endorses Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Anne McLane Kuster (NH-02)

Released: Mar 14, 2012 9:13 AM

Burlington, VT – Today Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Carol Shea-Porter and Anne McLane Kuster in New Hampshire for Congress. Both women are progressive champions fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare for the people of New Hampshire.

"I am proud to endorse Carol Shea-Porter and Anne McLane Kuster,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Anne and Carol are exactly the kind of leaders we need in Congress right now -- strong progressive women who will fight for jobs and economic security.”

Shea-Porter and Kuster responded to the endorsements with enthusiasm.

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter: “I am very grateful to DFA for endorsing me again. We share the belief that fostering job creation and investing in America and our people are both good business decisions and good moral decisions.  I’m ready to get back to work, and I thank Democracy for America for helping me!”

Anne McLane Kuster: "I am honored to earn the endorsement of Democracy for America.  With the support of DFA, and groups like it, we are able to build a campaign with strong grassroots support and a commitment to Individuals, not Corporations that will both win in November and redefine how we can elect candidates to office."

Both Kuster and Shea-Porter have been endorsed by DFA before. Carol Shea-Porter garnered DFA member support from her strong record in Congress of standing up for progressive values, and Anne McLane Kuster was voted in the top-ten among DFA members for the DFA Grassroots All-Stars competition for congressional challengers.

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

Alan Grayson Wins DFA Grassroots All-Star Endorsement

Released: Mar 2, 2012 9:12 AM

2nd and 3rd Runners up are Norman Solomon CA – 02 and Jose Hernandez CA - 10

Burlington, VT – Today, Democracy for America (DFA) announced that Alan Grayson, FL – 09, is winner of the Grassroots All-Stars Contest. The winner of the 2012 Grassroots All-Star Competition will receive: the title of "2012 DFA Grassroots All-Star" and DFA's endorsement; a commitment to raise $20,000 in small donations from DFA’s national membership; and a commitment to recruit volunteers over the course of the campaign.

The two runners up in the Grassroots All-Stars contest who will also receive prizes are 2nd runner up Norman Solomon, CA-02, and 3rd runner up Jose Hernandez, CA- 10.

“Congratulations to Alan Grayson for winning the DFA Grassroots All-Star Endorsement. We are proud to endorse such a stalwart champion for true progressive values,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “All of the candidates who distinguished themselves in the Grassroots all-stars completion exemplify the kind of campaigns DFA members want to endorse: bold champions who engage real people in the political process.”

Two other candidates who really distinguished themselves in this contest are Angela Zimmann of Ohio and Ilya Sheyman from Illinois, rounding out the top five. Ilya Sheyman is a great organizer who has been running a real grassroots campaign to represent the 99%. While Angela Zimmann showed tremendous creativity in engaging the online community and inspiring DFA members to support her compelling upstart campaign. Both Sheyman and Zimmann also received endorsements from DFA.

Grassroots All-Stars (www.grassrootsallstars.com) is an annual competition for House challengers and open seats. Candidates compete for online votes to demonstrate support among DFA members, and the top three candidates receive prizes.  This year’s top ten were a diverse group, including candidates from 8 states, 4 women, and 2 people of color.

Past winners of the whole contest include Jerry McNerney, Charlie Brown, and Beth Krom.

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is a people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

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