May 19, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dave Christensen, Matthew Munsey
hosts-AT-dfa-arlington-DOT-unEnding-DOT-org
http://dfa-arlington.unEnding.org/
Arlington, VA – Based on a membership vote, Arlington/Alexandria for Democracy (AAfD) enthusiastically endorses David Englin for the 45th District House of Delegates seat. A clear majority of members voted for Englin as their first choice, citing his progressive values and energizing campaign. AAfD urges 45th District residents to cast their votes for Englin in the June 14 Democratic primary.
Englin has distinguished himself from his five competitors for the nomination with a vigorous grassroots campaign that is breathing fresh life into the movement to fight for our socially progressive, fiscally responsible values in Richmond. Co-host Matthew Munsey of Arlington explained: "The strong consensus among our members is that David Englin embodies our mission by reaching out to everyone in our community, including many who have been disengaged from the political process. He has demonstrated strong leadership in fighting unabashedly for progressive values, even as an Air Force officer stationed in George Bush's Pentagon."
Many members were also genuinely moved by hearing how Englin and his wife Shayna had talked to many residents of local public housing projects who had never been approached by political campaigns. The Englin campaign is already looking beyond the June 14 Virginia primary, committing to put its strong grassroots base to work for gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine and other progressive candidates who are challenging the leaders of the right-wing agenda that threatens our values and constructive economic development in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Englin stated, "On behalf of the dozens of grassroots volunteers devoting their time and energy to our fight for a progressive future, I'm honored to accept the endorsement of Arlington/Alexandria for Democracy. These local Democracy for America activists share our campaign's vision and commitment to building the grassroots and standing up for progressive values, and I'm proud to have their support."
With the goal of fostering communication and helping individuals learn about the various candidates in the 45th District race, AAfD designed a questionnaire that each candidate answered, and the responses were posted on the group's website. Members also had the opportunity to meet and ask questions of candidates who visited monthly meetings, in addition to attending several public forums throughout the area.
Arlington/Alexandria for Democracy members will be a valuable commodity in this local race, by joining the campaign's ambitious grassroots efforts to knock on every door and speak to every voter in the 45th District, as well as raising public awareness about the race.
Arlington/Alexandria for Democracy (AAfD) is the local coalition group of the national organization Democracy for America, which was founded by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in 2004. In addition to promoting fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates at all levels of government, a primary goal of the group is to increase civic awareness and involvement in our community. To learn more about AAfD, please visit our website at <http://dfa-arlington.unEnding.org/>.
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