Gov. Howard Dean and Democracy for America Support "Better Democrat" Ilya Sheyman in Primary in IL-10

Released: Dec 12, 2011 4:03 PM

Meanwhile, Primary Opponent Makes Major Contributions to Republican Campaigns

Burlington, VT – Today, Gov. Howard Dean and Democracy for America (DFA) sent an email to DFA’s one million members asking them to support Ilya Sheyman’s campaign for congress in IL-10. Sheyman is in a contested primary against opponent Brad Schneider. 

In the email, Gov. Dean explains, “According to FEC reports, Ilya's opponent gave:

•    $250 to Republican Bob Bennett in Utah
•    $250 to Republican Mike Johanns in Nebraska
•    $1,000 to Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan.

And here's the big kicker: between 2002 and 2009 Ilya's opponent contributed a total of $3,300 to Republican Mark Kirk – the Republican who used to represent this very same congressional district.”

Gov. Dean and DFA endorsed Sheyman in May because he is a strong progressive who will stand up for the 99%.

Dean continues, "But today, I want to make one thing clear: we can't send a 'Democrat' who supports Republicans to Congress and expect to get better results. That's why I'm working to send a true progressive leader instead."

Sheyman responded to the endorsements and support saying, “I am very grateful for Gov. Dean and DFA's support because from my days as Field Director at Democracy for America, and even before, I've been working in the trenches to elect Democrats, and to fight for the values and priorities of middle class families. Since launching our campaign in April, I've always said that I'm in this race to prove that when Democrats stand up with backbone and conviction for working families, we win. And in less than 100 days, we intend to do just that.”

View full email here: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/blog_posts/37810-exposed


ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Founded by Gov. Howard Dean, 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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Paid for by Democracy for America, www.democracyforamerica.com, and not authorized by any candidate.

Gov. Howard Dean and Democracy for America Endorse Raul Grijalva (AZ-07) and Donna Edwards (MD-04)

Released: Dec 7, 2011 9:25 AM

Progressive Champions Gather Support as Redistricting Forces Primary Challenges from the Right

Burlington, VT – Today Gov. Howard Dean and Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed progressive champions Raul Grijalva (AZ-07) and Donna Edwards (MD-04).

In an email to DFA’s one million members nationwide, Gov. Dean explains, “Few Democrats in the House of Representatives have fought harder than Donna and Raul to stop Paul Ryan’s plan to end Medicare. They stood strong to defeat attempts to cut Social Security. And they have never backed down in the fight to restore the American Dream for everyone. But now their districts have been redrawn to make them significantly harder for a progressive Democrat to win.”

The email encourages DFA members to give individual online donations to the Edwards and Grijalva campaigns to support them in their contested primary campaigns. In the past year, DFA members gave more than one million dollars to support the recall efforts in WI, and in past years DFA members have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Congressional campaigns.

“Donna and Raul have been there for us. Now is the time for us to stand up and be there for them,” states Dean.

Grijalva and Edwards expressed gratitude for the endorsements and support.

"I am honored to receive Democracy for America's endorsement. DFA is a crucial ally in our fight for the 99% and a steadfast advocate for the progressive policies and candidates that will move our nation forward. I look forward to continuing our great partnership as we fight for America's working families,” stated Rep. Grijalva.

"I want to thank Democracy for America for their continued support. Together, we have fought to hold insurance companies accountable, eliminate corporate greed, and defend our shared values against a Tea Party-controlled Congress. But our most important fights are still ahead of us. I will continue to be a vocal advocate for creating jobs, investing in our nation's infrastructure, protecting our environment, and giving our children the education they deserve to compete in a 21st Century, global economy,” Rep. Edwards added.

Democracy for America supported Donna Edwards in 2006 in her first race, and has also been a longtime supporter of Raul Grijalva in his campaigns and his leadership of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
 
ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Founded by Gov. Howard Dean, 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.



www.DemocracyForAmerica.com
Paid for by Democracy for America, www.democracyforamerica.com, and not authorized by any candidate.