Press Release
Released: June 25, 2008BURLINGTON, VT
DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nations largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Mark Begichs campaign for the United States Senate. Begich is running against disgraced Senator Ted Stevens. Sen. Stevens is currently the target of several investigations regarding his ties to lobbyists and powerful business interests like the oil services company VECO.
Mark Begich has shown as mayor of Anchorage he has the integrity and judgment to lead and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign, said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. Mark Begichs commitment to honesty and transparency and his record of success make him the only choice this November.
Mark Begich, 46, is in his fifth year as mayor of Alaskas largest city, which under his administration is in its 20th consecutive year of economic growth, has enjoyed a record building boom and is financially sound due to strong fiscal management. Begich, the citys first mayor born in Anchorage, is the son of Alaskas third congressman, Nick Begich, who in 1972, along with House Majority Leader Hale Boggs, disappeared while flying between Anchorage and Juneau.
As mayor, Begich is especially focused on transforming Anchorage into a progressive, international city capitalizing on its Pacific Rim location. Twice during Begichs tenure
and for the first time in a generation - voters have passed every proposition on the city ballot, approving enormous investments in public facilities, public safety, parks and recreation and transportation.
Begich will bring his style of being open and accessible with him when he is elected to the U.S. Senate.
I am pleased to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America and recognition of my work standing up for working families, not for special interests, said Mark Begich. Together we can bring great change to America and improve the lives of families from Alaska to Maine and everywhere in between.
Democracy for America is a key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach. DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Jerry McNerney in Californias 11th Congressional District.
Mark Begich is ready to reform the corrupted and misguided ethics of the insider Washington culture, said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. Mark Begich is ready to do the hard work needed to make the United States energy independent, to make sure our struggling economy gets back on the right track, and to make sure we honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform.
Ted Stevens is part of the tired, old culture of incumbency that puts big money campaign contributors in the drivers seat instead of the American people, said Daniel I. Medress, Communications Director of Democracy for America. Mark Begich will work for his constituents and be accountable to the high standards Ted Stevens is incapable of living up to.
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