Democracy for America Endorses Tom Allen for United States Senate

Released: Jul 1, 2008 10:39 AM

Released: July 1, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Tom Allen’s campaign to represent Maine in the United States Senate.  Tom has represented Maine’s 1st Congressional District for the past twelve years.  In this campaign, Tom is running against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.  Ms. Collins likes to portray herself as a moderate, but in reality she has been a consistent vote for the failed policies of George Bush, John McCain, and the Republican Party.
 
“Tom Allen has a proven record and the experience Mainers deserve and Democracy for America is proud to endorse his campaign,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA.  “Tom Allen is a committed public servant whose vision and foresight are needed in the Senate.”
 
Allen expressed his gratitude for the endorsement.
 
“In a few short years, Democracy for America has greatly strengthened our Party and our nation by empowering voters with effective tools for grassroots engagement and discussion on the issues,” said Tom Allen.  “I appreciate DFA’s confidence in me and am thankful to have them on board in my campaign for change.”
 
Democracy for America is the 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 California’s 11th Congressional District.
 
“Tom Allen knows we have to end the War in Iraq, fix our broken health care system, and implement economic policies that support the middle class and working men and women,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America.  “Tom Allen’s people-powered campaign is a clear sign that he will put his constituents before big money special interests.”
 
“Susan Collins likes to talk a big game, but the truth of the matter is she can’t walk the walk and remains in lockstep with the misguided agenda of George Bush, John McCain, and the Republican Party,” said Daniel I. Medress, Communications Director of Democracy for America.  “Tom Allen is a straight-shooter who doesn’t change his tune based on the latest polling.  This is a lesson Susan Collins is incapable of learning.”

Tom grew up in Portland and spent summers and weekends on the family farm near North Sebago.  Tom attended Bowdoin College, where he demonstrated his capacity for courage and leadership.  In 1965, he made headlines when he led the Bowdoin chapter of his fraternity out of the national association because it refused to admit African Americans.  Through his academic success and leadership, Tom earned the Rhodes Scholarship.  He attended Harvard Law upon graduation from Oxford.

Tom served on Portland’s City Council in Portland from 1989 to 1995. During his tenure, Portland led the state in nondiscrimination practices by banning bias based on sexual orientation for housing, credit and employment.

In 1996, Tom ran for Congress from Maine’s 1st District, defeating incumbent Republican James Longley, Jr. by 10 percentage points. In Washington, Tom has been a strong and effective leader, pioneering legislation on prescription drug issues, campaign finance reform and the environment. A member of two influential House committees – Energy & Commerce and Budget – he is a strong advocate for health care, small business, energy, fiscal responsibility and economic competitiveness.

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