Progressive Dems of America move from Edwards to Obama

Edwards, the Obama Movement &
the Fight for a Progressive Congress

Dear Dorri,

John Edwards just announced that he is suspending his populist presidential campaign that had put corporate greed and economic injustice under the spotlight. We wish him and Elizabeth well. And we thank all of you who've worked so hard for John Edwards or for progressive stalwart Dennis Kucinich (now focusing on reelection to Congress.)

No matter who we've supported so far for president, many PDAers have seen firsthand the enthusiastic, youthful, multiracial movement that has embraced Barack Obama. The Senator hasn't been totally progressive on the issues, but our engagement with the inspiring Obama movement--which includes tens of thousands of open-minded newcomers to activism--leaves us hopeful. If the Obama movement succeeds, it could play an important role in the remaking of the Democratic Party that PDA is helping to bring about. (See PDA Advisory Board member Tom Hayden's recent endorsement of the Obama movement.)

As important as the presidential race is the fight for a progressive Congress. PDA chapters have been endorsing solid progressives for U.S. House seats. Eight have received national endorsements already.

Two of our endorsed candidates are battling for seats in Maryland and Illinois. Their campaigns are the most pressing--and need our help now to put them over the top.

Donna Edwards in Maryland's fourth Congressional district. (Contact diane@pdamerica.org to volunteer to phone bank for Donna Edwards.)
John Laesch in Illinois' fourteenth congressional district.
PDA's other endorsed candidates are: Clint Curtis, Corbett Kroehler and Samm Simpson (FL); Randi Scheuer (IL); Dr. Bill Durston (CA); and Mahdi Ibn-Ziyad (NJ).

Let's work to put more progressives in Congress.

And wherever activists gather, especially in the Obama movement--and wherever Congressional or presidential candidates gather--let's continue to promote and distribute the full progressive agenda.

In solidarity,

Tim Carpenter
National Director

He'll keep up the fight!

I voted early in IL, and was proud to cast my vote for him :)

It's over.

news would definitely make it a joyous occasion.

We need change and a new direction-NOT MORE CORPORATIST BS!

eom

RL

I thought this might happen

anticipated this would be the case. We need Progressive Dems who take the time to read policy papers instead of following pipe dreams.

I know the strengths and weaknesses of most of the groups out there. PDA took a wrong turn and its a waste of time to follow them right now.