Press Release
Released: August 11, 2008BURLINGTON, VT
DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nations largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Barbara McIlvaine Smiths re-election campaign for Pennsylvanias 156 Legislative District.
Barbara McIlvaine Smith is a citizen legislator with a phenomenal progressive record and Democracy for America is proud to endorse her campaign, said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. In two years in the General Assembly and with a lifetime of community and business leadership, Barbara McIlvaine Smith has shown time and again she has the experience, wisdom, and judgment we need in Harrisburg.
Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith, a lifelong resident of Chester County, was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2006. Her win by 28 votes pushed the Democrats into the majority for the first time in 12 years.
A former small-business owner, educator, local elected official, and community leader, Rep. McIlvaine Smith serves on the board of the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and also serves as the 3rd vice president of the West Goshen Lions Club. She is a member of many community organizations, including The Human Relations Council of the Greater West Chester Area; NAACP; American Association of University Women; West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife; Chester County League of Women Voters; National Organization for Women, as well as others. Rep. McIlvaine Smith is an enrolled tribal member of the federally recognized Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma.
In the state Legislature, Rep. McIlvaine Smith currently serves on the Aging & Older Adult Services, Children & Youth, Education, Health & Human Services, and Local Government committees. She is the majority chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Special Education.
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.
"I am honored to have the endorsement of a strong grassroots organization like Democracy for America, said Barbara McIlvaine Smith. Since 2004, DFA has actively changed the dynamics for running a successful political campaign and I appreciate the trust they have placed in me. DFAs mission and mine is to continue the progress of bringing the power of government back to the people."
Barbara McIlvaine Smith knows progressive solutions like universal health care and quality public education makes Pennsylvania and the United States stronger, said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA. Barbara McIlvaine Smith is a tireless champion of ethics reform, working to bring increased transparency and accountability to the Assembly.
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