Progressive Democrats of America Endorses Bastien and Gill for Congress
On the eve of their national conference in Cleveland Ohio, Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) announced it has endorsed two new progressive candidates for Congress, Marleine Bastien in Florida's 17th District and Dr. David Gill in Illinois' 15th. Both candidates won the endorsement of local PDA chapters and the unanimous endorsement of the PDA Inside the Party Working Group.
Tim Carpenter, PDA’s national director, remarked “We’ve seen that principled progressive congress members will vote against war funding and take stands even in the face of pressure from the leadership. But there are not enough such members in Congress. We could add two to the ranks of reliable representatives of the public by electing Bastien and Gill.
Marleine Bastien commented: “Progressive Democrats of America’s endorsement is tremendously important to our campaign. As a member of Congress, I wish to continue the work I have done in the community–fighting for peace, for universal healthcare, for comprehensive immigration reform, and to protect our environment. I’m ready to be a leader in Washington who fights hard to protect working families and drives the Democratic Party closer to it’s core values. As we build to our August 24th election, I look forward to working closely with PDA and the hardworking activists and volunteers behind it. I’m very grateful for PDA’s support which will certainly be vital to our success.”
David Gill said: “‘Gill for Congress’ is a true grassroots phenomenon. Illinois-15 was gerrymandered to be a 70% Republican seat, but for nearly eight years, myself and hundreds of volunteers have worked tirelessly to take the seat back for the well-being of ordinary citizens. We are now right on the edge of victory, and the endorsement of PDA will provide the ‘final boost’–with the added work and financial support of PDA members nationwide, I fully expect to succeed this November. I’m a longtime member of Physicians for a National Health Program, and I intend to speak forcefully with my physician’s voice in Washington, D.C., to bring forward TRUE healthcare reform, and to help bring an end to our involvement in endless and damaging warfare.”
Progressive Democrats of America was founded in 2004 to transform the Democratic Party and our country. We seek to build a party and government controlled by citizens, not corporate elites–with policies that serve the broad public interest, not just private interests. PDA is a grassroots PAC operating inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our inside/outside strategy is guided by the belief that a lasting majority will require a revitalized Democratic Party built on firm progressive principles.