DFA-List candidate Dina Titus wins in Nevada

Written by: Mike C on Nov 7, 2008 12:04 PM EST

DFA-List candidate Dina Titus won in her race for US representative for Nevada on Tuesday. Here's what she had to say:

"Thank you. Six months ago, joined by many of you here tonight, I announced my candidacy for the Third Congressional District. I was getting a late start and up against a three-term incumbent. And while he had more money, I had all of you.

"With your support every step of the way – knocking on doors, making phone calls, getting voters to the polls – we did it. Thank you so much for all of your hard work, for the long days and late nights. I am honored by the trust you have placed in me and humbled by the outpouring of support I received during this campaign.

"While the road was tough, the journey is just beginning. The real work lies ahead. Change doesn’t come easy and Nevada and our nation face a number of challenges after years of failed leadership. But I am ready to meet these issues head on. I am ready to get to work for the people of Southern Nevada. I am ready to go to Washington to bring the change we need and the change you voted for.

"I am ready to work across the aisle with Republicans and Democrats to diversify Nevada’s economy and put people back to work. By investing in Nevada’s abundant renewable energy we can bring good jobs to our District and strengthen our hard hit construction sector. And by investing in job-training programs we can provide workers with the skills they need to fill the jobs of tomorrow. I will hold Wall Street accountable so that the people of the Third District receive the help they need.

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DFA-List candidate Denise Juneau wins in Montana

Written by: Mike C on Nov 7, 2008 11:53 AM EST

DFA-List candidate Denise Juneau won in her race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction on Tuesday. Here's what she had to say:

I am honored to be Montana’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction.  I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve the state’s education system as its top advocate.  I am grateful for all of the people who helped me run a successful campaign – it certainly takes a lot of people doing a lot of different things to ensure victory. There are many, many people who deserve to be thanked for their work on behalf of this campaign.  Each one of you who contributed your time to spread the message of electing me to this most important office has my eternal appreciation.  I am truly amazed by the amount of support you provided.  You helped us by making phone calls, writing letters to the editor, sending postcards, dropping campaign literature, planting yard signs, hosting fundraisers, and many other activities.  I owe so much to those who believed in this campaign enough to spend their time spreading our message of belief in public education and our optimism of what Montana’s education system can be.  This campaign was serious when we took on the task of taking back the discourse around public education and promoting the good things that public education does every day for students all across Montana.  We were serious when we said we believe in every student’s brilliance, creativity, and talents.  We were serious when we said we would champion the education profession and bring respect to the teaching profession. I made one promise during the election – that when elected, I will wake up every day and ask whether we are doing everything in our power to ensure Montana’s students are receiving a quality education.  I intend to fulfill that promise. Thank you all!  I look forward to a great next 4 years.

DFA-List candidate Brian Grim wins in Maryland

Written by: Mike C on Nov 7, 2008 11:43 AM EST

DFA-List candidate Brian Grim won in his race for Cumberland City Council in Maryland on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

I declared my candidacy for Cumberland City Council because I want to make a difference.  I believe that my vision and energy can help the City, and with my record, there is no question about my level of dedication to this community.

Many people have referred to me over the past year as an idealist.  It’s true.  I’m an unabashed idealist.  I believe that people should be honest, responsible, fair, and ethical.  I believe that a better future is possible, and I believe in positive change for our city.  I want to be a part of that.  I want to put my vision into action and help facilitate a better Cumberland, and I believe that I can.

I plan to continue the work that I have performed on a volunteer basis, interacting with and assisting community groups in any way that I can.  I have a strong record of community dedication and volunteerism and there is no question that I am committed to making a difference.

For me, this is an opportunity to do more and give back.  It’s an opportunity to make an impact and make a difference.  I want to be the next City Councilman because I care about Cumberland and what is just around the corner in our City’s future.  I bring new energy and enthusiasm to the table and I represent the next generation of Cumberland residents.

I believe that the real action in any city takes place at the individual level.  As Councilman, I intend to work together with citizens and community groups to pay closer attention to what is taking place in every neighborhood in Cumberland.

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DFA-List candidate Barbara McIlvaine Smith wins in Pennsylvania

Written by: Mike C on Nov 7, 2008 11:27 AM EST

DFA-List candidate Barbara McIlvaine Smith won in her race for state representative in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Here's what she had to say:

I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for helping us to succeed one more time! It's because of your support and dedication that we won by over 53% of the vote:

REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 156TH DISTRICT
BARBARA McILVAINE SMITH (DEM). . . . 18,143 53.23
SHANNON ROYER (REP). . . . . . . . . . . . 15,909 46.68

I know how hard campaigning is and so do you. Every other year, we spend way too much time, energy, and money — around $350 thousand dollars — to win a 2-year term. So let's change it.

It's time for reform: a constitutional convention to give state Representatives a 4-year term; set term limits; enlarge the house districts by 20% in order to reduce the number of legislators; make the Bipartisan Management Office in charge of hiring staff for the caucuses; and fire the staff that works one year for their caucus and then the next as campaign managers. We, the people, deserve a smaller, more efficient government!

We also deserve a more efficient electoral system. Yesterday's events prove it. My polling place at Wayne Hall on the campus of West Chester University was a case in point.

We had 4 voting booths and one person with the official registration book checking in the voters. My family and I arrived at 7:15am and waited in line for an hour and 15 minutes. When I was close to the doorway, a poll worker came out and loudly announced that ALL people MUST show either their voter registration card or their driver’s license. I shouted back, “Only first-time voters must comply.” The woman stuck her finger in my face and said, “EVERYbody!”

I then turned around to face the crowd and shouted, “First-time voters ONLY must show their I.D. That’s the LAW!” I immediately called my campaign office and told them to send over a lawyer ASAP.

It took until almost 4 o’clock in the afternoon for the problems to be resolved. With over 3-hour waits in line in the rain, democracy staggered, but in the end triumphed, thanks to the efforts of dedicated people like former committee woman Paula Schultz, Kathleen and Ed Bond, County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, Committee woman Carolyn Comitta, West Chester Democratic Chair Nathaniel Smith, and Agnes from Voter Services who literally saved the day, according to all reports.

When people get engaged in the democratic process, they get the kind of representation they expect and deserve.

Yes, we do — and YES, WE DID!

DFA-List candidate Carl Sciortino wins in Massachusetts

Written by: Mike C on Nov 7, 2008 11:15 AM EST

DFA-List candidate Carl Sciortino won in his state representative race in Massachusetts on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

On September 16th, our campaign made history, winning an incredibly challenging write-in campaign. To the many campaign volunteers and supporters, and to the hard-working wardens, police officers, and other elections officials and staff, I would like to say thank you. I also want to thank my challenger, Alderman Bob Trane, for running a spirited campaign. But most of all, I want to thank all of you who cast your vote on September 16th.

For the past four years, I have had the honor of representing both Medford and Somerville. I have done my best to work hard, to fight with passion and commitment, and most importantly, to deliver for the working families of our community.

We have had many successes, including securing funding for important programs for our youth, our seniors, and our parks and open space, raising the minimum wage, closing corporate tax loopholes, preserving marriage equality, and keeping the green line extension on schedule.

I made a conscious effort to keep my campaign focused on issues important to our community. Despite the challenge of running on stickers, you voted resoundingly in favor of continued progress and leadership on the values we share.

I will continue to keep an open door and be responsive to your concerns. Whether you are a constituent seeking support for your family, or a resident advocating for a policy or issue important to you, I welcome your feedback and questions. Please contact me any time, and I will do my best to hear you out, to advocate for your concerns, and to find common ground where we might otherwise disagree.

I commit to continuing to work hard and to deliver for our community, and I thank the voters of the 34th Middlesex District for your continued trust and support.

DFA-List candidate Jeff Merkley wins in Oregon

Written by: Mike C on Nov 6, 2008 12:58 PM EST

DFA-List candidate Jeff Merkley won in his race for state senator on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

My fellow Oregonians,

I am deeply humbled by the trust you have put in me. It is tremendous. Thank you.

Over the next six years, I will work with Ron Wyden to address the many challenges we face as Oregonians and Americans.

We will draw on the strengths of every citizen to fix our broken health care system; end the war in Iraq and bring our sons and daughters home; and strengthen America's middle class to put our nation back on track.

We will conquer these challenge if we come together, shed old rivalries that divide us, and put working families first. I pledge to fight every single day for working Americans, but I cannot do it without each and every one of you.

I look forward to working with you, Ron Wyden, and our new President-elect Barack Obama in the months and years ahead to bring Oregon the change it deserves.

Again, thank you for your support and for your vote. I am deeply humbled to be your next U.S. Senator.

Onward for change,

Jeff Merkley

DFA-List candidate Dan Maffei wins in New York

Written by: Mike C on Nov 6, 2008 12:49 PM EST

DFA-List candidate Dan Maffei won in his race for state representative on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

Last night the 25th District of New York joined the rest of the country and voted for change. It was a resounding victory for the people, and I cannot overstate my gratitude for the support so many offered during this campaign. Two years ago, we surprised everyone by coming so close to winning, despite being such long-shot race. It would have been easier to give up and assume the status quo was inevitable. Instead, I listened to the people who told me change can just take time and that we cannot give up - and they were right. This year was a decisive move in the direction of change, and I humbly thank you for support.

The challenges we face are immense. Our economy and infrastructure are both in dire need of repair. Healthcare and education costs are becoming unmanageable for too many families. Our young people have been leaving us because they no longer see Upstate New York as a place of opportunity. But the people have spoken with a unified voice, and I will work with Republicans, Democrats and Independents to find real and lasting solutions to these critical problems. This district is diverse, from Rochester suburbs, to the city of Syracuse, to rural towns in Cayuga and Wayne County, and I pledge to work every day to represent every constituent to the best of my abilities.

Thank you again for electing me. I look forward to hitting the ground running as your new Representative in Congress.

DFA-List candidate Ben Lujan wins in New Mexico

Written by: Mike C on Nov 6, 2008 12:35 PM EST

DFA-List candidate Ben Lujan won in his race for state representative in New Mexico on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

Together, we did it. Thank you.
 
I am grateful and honored by the confidence you have placed in me to be your next Representative to the United States Congress. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve you. I am deeply moved by the support you have given to me through the long hours and even longer days.

We face great challenges, but our nation has faced challenges before. We took on these challenges by coming together, and we will do it again, coming together to get our country back on track and bringing change to Washington. We will achieve change by reversing the failed policies of the last eight years - policies that have left our economy in peril, our families without access to health care and our country in war.

We must embrace change, because change is on the way.

The desire to change Washington and undo the failed polices of the last eight years crosses party lines and spans generations.
 
From grandparents who yearn for the chance to see their grandchildren who are fighting bravely in Iraq to parents who question if their children will have an opportunity to stay in New Mexico and get a good job to seniors who worry that their retirement savings will continue to melt away.
 
We face tough challenges, but these challenges present opportunities to build a stronger, better future for New Mexico and for America.
 
My campaign was always about the people of New Mexico. My time in Congress will be about the people of New Mexico. I will never forget that I work for you. And as your next Congressman, I will work hard every single day for the people of this district.

Thank you for all of your support over the last eleven months. I will stand up for you in Congress. I will be your voice. Together, we will change Washington and get our country back on track.

 Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

DFA-List candidate Martin Heinrich wins in New Mexico

Written by: Mike C on Nov 6, 2008 12:16 PM EST

DFA-List Candidate Martin Heinrich won in his race for state representative in New Mexico on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

Yesterday, New Mexicans across the district from Belen to Bernalillo, from Estancia to the East Mountains, and, from the Northeast Heights to the South Valley rose up, went to the polls and cast their ballot to change Washington.

I'm humbled by your support and on behalf of my family and my campaign staff, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you've done to make this victory possible. This campaign was never about me - it was the story of thousands of New Mexicans standing up and fighting for change.

To those of you who volunteered with my campaign, thank you. I know how hard you worked. You knocked on thousands of doors and called tens of thousands of voters. You hosted, organized and attended events across the district. You worked in the office and in your communities. And, I deeply appreciate all the good work you did on behalf of my campaign.

To those of you who contributed to my campaign - we couldn't have done it without you. We received thousands of small contributions primarily from New Mexicans and those contributions powered my campaign for change. It was those $10, $25, $50 and $100 contributions that made the difference. Together, thousands of New Mexicans contributing small amounts beat back the lies from the shady Washington special interest groups funded by the far right Republicans.

Our work isn't over. It's just beginning. Now is the time to come together, put partisanship aside and work across party lines to put America back on the right track. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you over the next two years to bring real change to Washington.

Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart. This victory is yours.

Sincerely,
Martin Heinrich

P.S. A hearty congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama, Senator-elect Tom Udall, Rep.-elect Harry Teague and Rep.-elect Ben Ray Lujan on their victories. I look forward to working with them to put our country back on the right track.

DFA-List candidate Chellie Pingree wins in Maine

Written by: Mike C on Nov 6, 2008 12:08 PM EST

DFA-List candidate Chellie Pingree won in her state representative race on Tuesday. Here's what she had to say:

Thank you! Today marks an incredible new era in our country -- full of hope and energy. I am thrilled and honored that you have given me the opportunity to be a part of that new direction.

Thank you for all you did in this campaign. I am grateful to all of you who volunteered over the weeks and months, to my team, and everyone in the First District who has honored me with their support.

I know you expect big things. You want to see a return to an economy that works for all of us, you want energy self-sufficiency, affordable quality health care, and an end to the war in Iraq. There are no simple solutions but I know that, working together, we can get our country back on track and accomplish great things.

I do believe that when the voters say they want change, that's the easiest time to make change happen. None of us are feeling complacent -- we want to see significant progress. I can't wait to arrive in Washington and begin working with the Obama Administration and my Congressional colleagues to push through the programs that will get our country back on the right track.

I began this race in March of 2007. For 21 months now, you have been with me -- telling me your stories and sharing your perspective. I'll carry these things with me to Washington.

We did this together, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.