Friday, November 12, 2004
At the local and state level, Democracy for America and Gov. Howard Dean have reason to celebrate this year's election results. Many DFA-endorsed Dean Dozen and DFA-supported candidates won elections at all levels of government, throughout the country.
One of the two new Democratic United States senators was a "Dean Dozen" candidate—Barack Obama (D-Ill.). Obama and the other new Democratic senator, Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), received contributions from DFA.
One "Dean Dozen" candidate won her race for Congress, Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and DFA contributed to five of the fourteen incoming freshman Democratic Members of Congress.
Some of the notable non-federal success stories include:
Both of the new Democratic governors are "Dean Dozen" candidates: John Lynch (D-NH) and Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.)
Two "Dean Dozen" candidates won their mayoral race: Peter Corroon was elected as mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah and Tom Potter was elected as mayor of Portland, Ore.
Democracy for America contributed more than $600,000 to 634 candidates for non-federal office. 319 of those candidates won—a 50% win-loss record.
"Dean Dozen" candidates were elected to state legislatures in 16 states. Candidates for legislature who received Democracy for America contributions, but were not part of the "Dean Dozen," were elected in an additional 12 states.
Democracy for America played a large role in regaining several legislative chambers for the Democrats, including: the Colorado House and Senate, the North Carolina House, the Oregon Senate, the Vermont House and the Washington Senate. DFA also helped secure a tie in the Iowa Senate.
"Dean Dozen" candidates were elected to the bench in Alabama and Georgia.
"Dean Dozen" candidates also won races for soil & water commission, supervisor of elections, township clerk, county commission and constable.
Governor Dean commented on the election results:
"The Dean Dozen candidates and the hundreds of other candidates that Democracy for America supported are the future of the Democratic Party. Win or lose, these fiscally responsible, socially progressive citizens fought to take our country back and helped spread the message that to change America, Democrats must compete everywhere, including the red states."
Throughout the months leading up to the election, Governor Dean attended press conferences, fundraisers and campaign rallies, to help spread the DFA message and raise campaign funds for 50 candidates in 26 states. Many of you—our supporters—volunteered and financially supported these candidates as well and your actions were invaluable.
DFA has raised over $5 million since we became an organization in March 2004. We have donated money to 748 candidates throughout the country—in 46 states and at every level of government. We believe that Democrats will return to national prominence very soon. DFA will continue to endorse and support candidates and train campaign workers and volunteers in 2005 and beyond.
Posted by Tara Liloia at 05:42 PM
Posted at 06:42 pm by blog swarm
