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DFA-NJ is the Jersey homebase of Democracy for America,
the nation's largest progressive political action community. With local
groups meeting monthly all over the state, DFA is a grassroots engine
to change the Democratic Party from the bottom up. We provide campaign
training, organizing resources, and media exposure so our members have
the power to support progressive issues and candidates, up and down
ballot. We're proud of every one of these candidates, they're our
progressive standard-bearers. And some of them might be local to you. Please support our slate of 2009 endorsees:
Jon Corzine & Loretta Weinberg
It's enough that Jon Corzine's running against a candidate as
unacceptable as Chris Christie. But above that, we find Corzine an
admirable governor struggling uphill against a national economic
downturn (read: George Bush). Expanding health coverage for NJ kids.
Paid family leave. First-in-the-nation economic recovery program, ditto
return-to-work. Ready to sign Marriage Equality. Expanded early
childhood education. Choice. Ends the death penalty.
Corzine stands
with Obama, and that's the future. Christie's a product of Bush, and we
don't want to go back. But for us, when Corzine chose that
corruption-busting, pro-transparency, no-nonsense progressive hot chick
Loretta Weinberg, this race took off. She's our ally. There's nothing
tempered, or guarded about the way we admire her. Website.
 Doug Singleterry & Cecilia X. Birge for Somerset Freeholders
Cecilia was born in China and spent part of her childhood in Chinese
labor camps where her Western-educated parents were sent. As a student,
she was in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, then came to America for
college. She put her Wall Street background to work on Montgomery Twp Committee. And in 2007, she became the only Asian-American woman mayor in
NJ history. Cecilia & North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry
focus on DFA core issues: transparency, accountability, fiscal
responsibility, pay-to-play. Website.
Marianne Rampulla & Chan K. Leung for Raritan Twp Committee
Raritan Twp's the center of one of the toughest GOP strongholds in the
state. Every race is uphill. But this year, the Dems already have one
of their own on committee, so if Marianne & Chan both win, the
population center of red Hunterdon swings to Dem majority. Running for
the 2nd time, they started early, came on strong. They're both very
well-known in the community, both professionally and in high-level
municipal and volunteer capacities. Website.
Naomi B. Collier for Hawthorne Mayor
First woman ever to run in the general election for that position. An
attorney, Naomi is sensitive to issues that face families, both young
and old. Serves on the Executive Board of Woman Lawyers in Bergen
County, & Trustee/Treasurer for the Jean Robertson Foundation.
Volunteers for Alternatives to Domestic Violence. Instrumental in
bringing the hugely successful farmers market to the borough.
Priorities include developing a sustainable economic plan, revitalizing
downtown & improving services to seniors and families. Website.
Dan Benson for Mercer Freeholder
Dan Benson was appointed March 2008 as a Mercer Freeholder to an
unexpired term and won a special election later that year for a 1-yr
term. Dan's priorities are to expand on his progressive record of
fiscal responsibility, open space preservation and job creation through
infrastructure investment, and ensure Mercer County has a progressive
voice in government. He is running for a full 3 year term. Website.
Tammeisha Smith for NJ-23 Assembly
First time Hunterdon DFA members heard Tammy speak, it was on the need
for health care reform, with a strong personal story and concern for
her elders. It was a surprise that she works in the insurance industry.
But there, she manages outreach programs to bring access to affordable
medical/prescription coverage to the community. Health care reform is
her passion. Website
Randy Bishop for NJ-11 Assembly
Randy is a Neptune Township Committeeman and the 3rd openly gay
Mayor in NJ history. Randy believes that service to your community is
one of the highest callings. His community background includes time
serving on boards. He's been the local Chamber of Commerce President.
In his professional background, Randy has both corporate experience,
and is a small business owner. His priorities: job creation, meeting
resident's health care needs and stemming the flight of families and
businesses spurred on by our tax and regulatory structure. Website.
Jeff Grayzel for Morris Twp Committee
Elected in 2007 with the help of many DFA members, he was the first Dem
elected to Morris Twp. Committee in 34 years. Since Watergate. Jeff
works hard for open & participatory government and citizen
involvement, against pay to play & for improved land use. His
grassroots efforts have won him the support of many Independents.
Seeking a second three-year term. Website.
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