PDA 2006 Election Video
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Washington, D.C.-– Dear Friend of PDA,
It has been a very busy and productive time for PDA this past month. We wanted to take a few minutes and update you on a few highlights.
November marked the successful launch of our National PDA Board in Washington D.C. I traveled the halls of Congress with PDA Deputy Director Kevin Spidel where we met with Reps. Woolsey, Watson, Lee, Conyers, McGovern, Grijalva, Frank, Jackson-Lee, and Bill Goold, the Director of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). We ended the trip when we introduced the PDA National Board to the media and the progressive community at a press briefing and fundraiser on November 15. Please take a look at the PDA Board web page.
We are very proud of the Board and excited that this group has stepped up to help PDA organize the progressive wing of our party.
In addition to this important work, PDA was at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, in early December where we organized a welcoming reception on the eve of the DNC winter meetings. It was a wonderful event; please take a look at the pictures by Michael Shelby. Eight state party chairs, at least half a dozen progressive Congressional candidates, DNC members and over 400 PDA and grassroots activists came through the doors. Speaking highlights included PDA Board Members Tom Hayden, Rep. Maxine Waters, Mimi Kennedy and Maryland Democratic Party Chair Terry Lierman. Music highlights included Tim Reynolds.
I just returned from the 48th congressional district in Orange County, California where PDA's first endorsed candidate Steve Young tripled his primary vote to capture 27.8% of the vote on Election Day. Steve defeated Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the "Minutemen" border patrol and his campaign of hate with a strong second place finish on the strength of his progressive message calling for an end to the war, protection of social security and a women's right to choose.
The conservative Republican Jim Campbell was the top vote getter, but not before progressive democrats walked 61 precincts and made 2,768 calls on Election Day. PDA activists played a key role organizing a "Get out the Vote" (GOTV) coalition made up of PDA activists, members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1877, the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Teamsters Local 952. In addition to this work, they helped organize over 100,000 "robo" calls into the district from DNC Chair Howard Dean, Mimi Kennedy and Tom Hayden. (See links below to hear calls.) PDA was the only national grassroots progressive organization on the ground making a difference in Orange County. Working together, we have already begun to organize the progressive base for the upcoming 2006 election cycle.
Hear audio recordings of the robo calls:
Click button to hear Howard Dean's message.
Click button to hear Mimi Kennedy's message.
Click button to hear Tom Hayden's message.
While Steve didn't win the election, we continued to demonstrate that PDA's progressive message is resonating from the most conservative red districts to the most progressive blue congressional districts across the country.
I've been asked numerous times how PDA differentiates itself from other groups. I would argue that the number one difference is the priority we place on relationship building and our Inside/Outside strategy. This strategy is having an impact. The Progressive Caucus leadership is reaching out to PDA for answers, for direction and for a way to tap into the energy and passion of Progressives. They need us, and we need them. Inside the party, Progressives such as Representatives John Conyers, Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Jim McGovern and Lynn Woolsey are reshaping the thoughts and attitudes of their colleagues, and gaining momentum on tough issues because of PDA's support. Outside, the Democratic grassroots call on PDA to strategize, to organize, to articulate – and to lead. The Inside/Outside strategy of PDA is working!
Progressive Democrats of America, just sixteen months old, is entering a new era. Until now, PDA has focused primarily on "the work": planning and scheduling meetings with officials, attracting new members, new chapters, growing the website and developing ready response capabilities. We're number one when it comes to challenging the Democratic Party leadership: The Ohio Vote Count Challenge. The Bankruptcy Bill. Downing Street. The Out of Iraq Campaign. We've gained respect. We've built a reputation for refusing to "go away and shut up." We've grown fast and we've grown strong with your active support, and now we are bringing our forces to bear in the upcoming 2006 election cycle.
As we enter the 2006 election season I want to thank the 561 PDA sustainers, 60,000 email activists, 62 Congressional District leaders, the 73 Chapter Leaders, PDA's Policy Task Force members and you! Together we have accomplished a great deal and much works remains. All of us at PDA thank you and ask you to please consider becoming a sustainer or making a contribution to continue this vital organizing. We must each personally challenge PDA members to help find new PDA sustainers.
Although PDA is a lean and efficient organization, we still need nearly $20,000 each month to maintain even our streamlined operations. These operations are here to support the chapters and lay the ground work to elect more progressives in 2006. By helping sustain this organization, you are helping sustain your work on the ground. Please make an online contribution today.
We need your continued help – nobody can take your place. Thank you.
We wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
In gratitude,
Tim