2007 Progressive Majority Endorsed Candidates

Keri Andews

Keri Andrews is running for the non-partisan Bellevue City Council. She is the president and owner of a high-tech firm in Bellevue that designs websites for small businesses. She also serves as the Chair of the Children's Response Center Advisory Board, where she works to help kids recovering from sexual assault. She also volunteers with CodeBlueNow, a national organization that educates and motivates the public around health system change. She is running against Councilmember Phil Noble, a conservative, who believes that Global Warming doesn't exist. There are seven conservatives and zero progressives currently on the council. Keri has attended numerous Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone, Take Back America, CPA Values Training as well as individual sessions on fundraising, stump speeches, field plans, etc.

Click here to support and learn more about Keri.

Melvin Carter III

Melvin Carter is a 28 year old, African American, first time candidate for Saint Paul City Council. Melvin is a lifetime resident of Saint Paul with a background in community and electoral organizing; most recently he worked on the Policy Outreach Team in the office of Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Melvin is running against a Chamber of Commerce-endorsed and one-term incumbent, Debbie Montgomery. Melvin's election would contribute to shifting the St. Paul City Council from a moderate Council to a progressive Council. Melvin has already secured the endorsements of AFSCME Council 5, Take Action Minnesota, ACORN PAC, and St. Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21, St. Paul Trades & Labor Assembly, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Laborers Local 132, SEIU Minnesota State Council, Stonewall DFL, and six of the 12 DFL legislators in Saint Paul. Melvin is a dynamic leader with potential to make a difference in St. Paul.

Click here to support and learn more about Melvin.

Mike Cooper

Mike Cooper is running as a Democrat for the Snohomish County Council. Mike recently retired as a Lieutenant with the Shoreline Fire District and is also a former State Representative from Washington's 21st legislative district. He is a union member with the International Association of Firefighters (Local 1760). He has been recognized as the 1999 Maritime Elected Official of the Year, 1999 Washington State Labor Council Legislator of the Year, and 2003 Inland Boatman's Union Legislator of the Year. This year, Mike is running for an open seat on the Snohomish County Council that is currently held by a conservative Republican who is term-limited. The current make-up of the council is 3D, 2R -- with one conservative Democrat. In 2005 we elected Progressive Majority candidate Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers; electing Mike will mean that the Snohomish County Council will have a progressive majority. His opponent is conservative former State Rep. Renee Radcliff. Mike previously faced off with Radcliff in his first legislative race in 1994; she won, but he came back to win an open seat two years later.

Click here to support and learn more about Mike.

Marilyn Strickland

Marilyn Strickland is running for the nonpartisan Tacoma City Council at-large position being vacated by term-limited Bill Evans. Marilyn is the Development Officer for the Tacoma Public Library, focusing on advocacy, fundraising, and community outreach. Born in Seoul, South Korea, her parents moved to Tacoma when her father was stationed at Fort Lewis forty years ago. She believes that education and literacy should be at the top of Tacoma's civic agenda. A graduate of the University of Washington, Marilyn earned an MBA from Clark-Atlanta University. She has worked in both public and private sectors, holding marketing positions with the American Cancer Society and Starbucks Coffee Company. Her community service and volunteer activities include the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees, the Grand Cinema Board of Directors, the Tacoma Pierce-County Black Collective and the Elizabeth Wesley Youth Scholarship Program. Despite having one of the largest numbers of people of color of any Washington city (31%), there are no people of color elected to the local school board, city council, or county government.

Click here to support and learn more about Marilyn.

Brian Sullivan

Brian Sullivan is running as a Democrat for the Snohomish County Council. Brian has built a career for himself in public service. A former small business owner, Brian was elected to the Mukilteo City Council and then mayor, then to the state legislature. For his leadership, Brian was named an honorary lifetime member of the Mukilteo Firefighters as well as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Aerospace Machinists Union in 2005. This year, Brian is running for an open seat on the Snohomish County Council that is currently held by a conservative Democrat who is term-limited. The current make-up of the council is 3D, 2R -- with one conservative Democrat. In 2005, we elected Progressive Majority candidate Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers; electing Brian will mean that the Snohomish County Council will have a progressive majority. Brian, being an experienced candidate, has needed less training than most of our candidates.

Click here to support and learn more about Brian.

Gael Tarleton

Gael Tarleton is running for the non-partisan Seattle Port Commission. She has a background in intelligence, having worked as a Senior Analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency -- a job which makes her immensely qualified for the office of Seattle Port Commission, with port security an increasing concern. She most recently worked at the University of Washington, becoming the first ever Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the College of Arts and Sciences. She is deeply concerned about the environmental issues facing the port as well as the security problems that the Port faces. The Port is currently split with 3 conservative commissioners and 2 progressive commissioners; if Gael wins and we retain the one progressive up this year, we will have a progressive majority on the commission for the first time ever. Despite its name, the Seattle Port Commission is elected by all of the voters of King County; more than 450,000 votes are expected to be cast in this race. She will be running against incumbent conservative Bob Edwards. It won't be easy, but Edwards' right-wing credentials and recent port scandals won't help him in the Democratic-leaning King County.

Click here to support and learn more about Gael.

Marie Lopez Rogers

Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers of Avondale is running for reelection as the only Latina in a Latino/a city. She was appointed Mayor in January 2006, has lived in the district for 50 of her 57 years, and is a former member of CWA. She is endorsed by the police, firefighters, AFL-CIO and SEIU. Marie is a strong progressive, and she is the key to halting or slowing legislation from a city council that is dominated by conservatives.

This was previously an agricultural town that is rapidly growing with scores of subdivisions along Interstate-10 west of Phoenix. It also includes Phoenix International Race Way that attracts tens of thousands of people to NASCAR races. Marie wants to preserve the quality of life in Avondale by working for safer streets and neighborhoods, providing efficient cost-effective city services, and ensuring a vital economy through an appropriate balance of residential, commercial and recreational development.

Click here to support and learn more about Marie.

John Williams

John is a first-time candidate running for the Surprise City Council, District 3. He is a high school teacher, husband, father of three, and member of the Peoria Education Association. John has been endorsed by The Arizona Republic and the police association. This is a rapidly growing city whose Council's actions have been very controversial on a number of issues. One of the more blatant council votes was when they increased their pensions retroactively to the date they first took office. Despite the public outcry, John's opponent continues to defend his vote on the measure. The council has also been accused of violating the open meeting law on a number of occasions, increasing their own personal car allowances and inappropriate use of discretionary district allowances. At a June council meeting, the city manager said the council was the most dysfunction group of adults he had ever worked with and they had threatened his job if he did not fire certain department heads. The city manager's charges are being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General. The city has hired an independent investigator regarding the violations of the open meeting law. John is one of five candidates running in the September 11 primary election, and a strong voice for labor rights.

John wants to bring quality jobs to Surprise so people can live and work there. In addition, he hopes to attract health care facilities to the town. Currently, the nearest 24-hour pharmacy is 20 minutes away. John wants Surprise to be a city with services and opportunities where the children being raised there now will ultimately to able to live and raise their children.

Click here to support and learn more about John.

Pete Aguilar

Pete Aguilar is a 28-year old, first-time Latino candidate for city council in the city of Redlands, located within San Bernardino County. Pete was appointed to an open seat on the city council, but has never run for office. However, he has been very involved in Democratic campaigns throughout the county. The current city government is narrowly Democratic, though the city's electorate is strongly Republican. Redlands has at-large elections for city council, and Pete and the other Democratic incumbents are up this November. There are seven total candidates running for the two available seats.

Click here to support and learn more about Pete.

Rick Hutcheson

Rick Hutcheson is an openly gay first-time candidate who is running for the Palm Springs City Council. A former Staff Secretary in the Carter administration, Rick is running for one of two at-large seats up in November. This election cycle and the next cycle will see all of the openly gay members of the Palm Springs City Council and mayor termed out. As one of the progressive strongholds in Riverside County, it is important to maintain progressive strength here. There are eight candidates and no incumbents running for two at-large seats.

Click here to support and learn more about Rick.

Carolyn Tillman

Carolyn Tillman is a first-time candidate running against Republican incumbent Chas Kelley in the race for San Bernardino 5th Ward City Council. She is a long time public servant and currently works for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Her opponent is a conservative who was a candidate for mayor two years ago - recent controversies over the spending of public safety bond money has dogged his tenure. Because Republicans currently hold a 4 to 3 majority on the city council, this race is the key to flipping control of this city. Four candidates are running for the seat, including incumbent Chas Kelley. The other two candidates include a perennial candidate and a contractor angry over a lawsuit with the city.

Click here to support and learn more about Carolyn.

Rikke Van Johnson

Councilman Rikke Van Johnson is a first-term incumbent representing the 6th Ward in the city of San Bernardino. Four years ago, he defeated the Republican incumbent, Betty Dean Anderson, who is attempting to win back her seat. Councilman Van Johnson is the only Democrat up for re-election in 2007 in San Bernardino. The 4-3 majority Republicans hold makes Van Johnson's re-election vital to flipping the city council. As a minister, he is also a key leader in the city's African-American community.

Click here to support and learn more about Rikke.

John Nephew

John Nephew is a small business owner and first time candidate for Maplewood City Council, At Large. John is a lifetime resident of Minnesota and has lived in Maplewood for six years. John has participated in Maplewoodvoices.com (a local blog that addresses the city of Maplewood's problems) and frequently attends City Council meetings to voice his concerns over the mismanagement of the city. He is challenging current City Councilmember Rebecca Cave. John's election would shift the Maplewood City Council from a conservative Council to a progressive Council. Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Senator Chuck Wiger, Representative Nora Slawik, Representative Leon Lillie and former Representative Scott Wasiluk all support John. In addition, John has been endorsed by AFSCME Council 5, and has been screened by the St. Paul Building Trades & Labor Assembly. John is committed to returning pride to the city of Maplewood, delivering on promises of fiscal responsibility and restoring good government to the city.

Click here to support and learn more about John.

Tammie Yak

Tammie Yak is a 34 year-old candidate for Moorhead City Council, Ward 1. Tammie is self-employed as a non-profit consultant, a mother of six children and very involved in her community. She was appointed to the Moorhead Human Rights Commission three years ago and currently serves as its chair. Tammie has been an avid volunteer and leader in the Fargo-Moorhead area her whole life, serving as a volunteer with the PTA, People Escaping Poverty Project, Habitat for Humanity and Lutheran Social Services. Tammie's election would ensure the council maintains its progressive majority, and defeat conservative incumbent Nancy Otto.

Click here to support and learn more about Tammie.

Pakou Hang

Pakou Hang is a 30 year old, Hmong-American, first-time candidate running for Saint Paul City Council. She was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was fifteen days old. Pakou has dedicated herself to serving underrepresented communities through grassroots politics and community organizing. Pakou faces a challenging opponent, incumbent Dan Bostrom: a 3-term city councilmember, retired Saint Paul Police Sergeant, and former Saint Paul School Board Chair. Pakou's election would contribute to shifting the St. Paul City Council from a moderate Council to a staunchly progressive Council. Pakou has been endorsed by Take Action Minnesota, ACORN PAC, St. Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21, Minnesota Women's Political Caucus, U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, DFL Feminist Caucus, Stonewall DFL, SEIU Minnesota State Council, and six of the 12 DFL legislators in Saint Paul. She is committed to sustainable economic growth on Saint Paul's East Side and has made quality education a top priority. She will be a champion for social justice issues, public safety and economic development in her community.

Click here to support and learn more about Pakou.

Warren Harder

Warren Harder is an International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) member and a first time candidate for Anoka-Hennepin School Board, District 5. Warren has been a resident of Brooklyn Park for six years where he works as a union organizer. The current school board is split evenly between progressive and non-progressive members. Warren is running against two-term incumbent Scott Wenzel who, due to a poor labor voting record, has lost all labor support that he previously carried. Progressive Majority learned of Warren as a potential candidate from several of our labor partners. The election of Warren would swing the board to a progressive majority. Thus far, Warren has successfully secured endorsements from the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council (AFL-CIO), Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades, SEIU, Education Minnesota, and the North Suburban Advisory Committee. Additionally, the Harder campaign is actively seeking endorsements from Teamsters and AFSCME. One of the reasons Warren and his family moved to Brooklyn Park was because of the strong school system, and now he's concerned the district is taking steps backward. He is committed to making sure students' needs are met and that the district retains its teachers to serve students well.

Click here to support and learn more about Warren.

Kim Ross

Kim Ross is a first-time candidate for Eden Prairie School Board, At Large. Kim is a lifetime resident of Minnesota, has lived in Eden Prairie for 13 years, and has a six year old daughter. Currently, Ross is a marketing consultant, with a background in information technology and communications. Kim serves on the Citizens for Eden Prairie Schools and has been a tireless advocate for K-12 Education, lobbying at the legislature on behalf of her community. The current school board is made up of seven members, with 4 seats up in 2007 and only one incumbent running for re-election. Kim's election to the Eden Prairie School Board would maintain a strong progressive majority, and would prevent a shift to a conservative board. Eden Prairie is located in Western Hennepin County and is a conservative leaning area, but local electoral successes will help bolster the district's progressive base and build a bench of future leaders.

Click here to support and learn more about Kim.

Janet Glover

Janet Glover is a first-time candidate and union member running for school board in Monticello (Wright County), MN. Janet has lived in Monticello for six years and in Minnesota for over 30. She is a former AFSCME Council 65 member, former president of her local chapter, a current member of MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees), and very active on the Wright County Labor Council. Three seats are up in 2007 on the Monticello School Board, with one incumbent running for reelection. Janet is working hard by door knocking and raising funds to build a strong base and name recognition, and should be an exciting candidate to watch.

Click here to support and learn more about Janet.

Pam Rykken

Pam Rykken is a lifetime resident of Minnesota, has lived in St. Louis Park for 41 years, and is a first time candidate for St. Louis Park School Board. Pam is a fitness instructor and has been very involved in the Democratic Party serving on the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Education Foundation and as a volunteer on a variety of political campaigns. Most recently Pam joined Secretary of State Mark Ritchie's campaign staff. Pam is running for an open seat in tricky St. Louis Park. While a strong Democratic district, Republicans are often elected to the non-partisan city council and school board. Winning this race will help to strengthen the progressives in this suburb and build the bench for future legislative races. In addition, Pam is a strong, confident candidate with deep connections in her community. With enrollment declining and talks of additional school closings in the St. Louis Park School District, Pam is committed to addressing the tough problems in her community with creative and realistic solutions.

Click here to support and learn more about Pam.

Kevin Riach

Kevin Riach is a first-time, former teacher, and Union member candidate running for St. Paul School Board. He has won recognition for his innovative use of technology in the classroom, received the Leadership Development Award from the National Council of Teachers of English, and is listed as a ''Who's Who Among American Teachers.'' Kevin has been endorsed by the St. Paul DFL, Stonewall DFL, St. Paul Building Trades Council, SEIU, AFSCME, Take Action Minnesota, St. Paul Area Trades and Labor Assembly, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, State Senators Ellen Anderson and Sandy Pappas, State Representative John Lesch, St. Paul City Councilmember Lee Helgen and current St. Paul School Boardmember John Brodrick. He is a rising star and champion for strong education, and will work tirelessly for St. Paul students.

Click here to support and learn more about Kevin.

Susan Stradtmann

Sue Stradtmann is a first-time candidate and union member running for school board in West St. Paul (Dakota County), MN. Sue has lived in West St. Paul for 28 years. She is an SEIU organizer and is represented by the Steelworkers Union. Sue is also active at her church in West St. Paul and is a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (appointed by the West St. Paul mayor). Sue's addition to the West St. Paul School Board will ensure that the board maintains a progressive majority and prevent a shift to a conservative board.

Click here to support and learn more about Susan.

Bill Scott

Bill Scott is running for one of three open seats for Chester County Board of Commissioners. Except for one four-year term, the Chester County Board of Commissioners has been controlled by conservatives. Bill served as the chair of the West Chester Democrats from 1998 through 2006 and is an elected member of the Democratic County and State Committee. He also served on the West Chester Borough Council for two terms, two of which he served as the chair. Bill is running as a team with Kathi Cozzone - together they have recently won endorsements from both the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. The team will face Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell in the general election.

Click here to support and learn more about Bill.

Kathi Cozzone

Kathi Cozzone is running for Chester County Board of Commissioners. Kathi brings extensive background in financial management and planning to the Board of Commissioners, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility for county operations. Kathi ran for County Controller in 2005, and narrowly lost in an open seat race. Kathi is running as a team with Bill Scott, and together they recently won endorsements from both the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. The team will face Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell in the general election.

Click here to support and learn more about Kathi.

Kevin Christie

A recent retiree from his 27 years of service as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Kevin Christie is a first-time candidate running for Chester County Sheriff. Kevin has had an exemplary career as a State Trooper; he rose from patrolman to staff and administrative sergeant and worked within the criminal and civil court system coordinating special operations. Kevin is running against two-term incumbent Carolyn (Bunny) Welsh who attempted a write-in campaign during the May primary. Kevin won as a write-in on the Democratic ballot with 67.9% of the vote. Kevin is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and would like to bring his law enforcement experience to benefit the residents of his home county.

Click here to support and learn more about Kevin.

Peter Amuso

Peter Amuso is running for Montgomery County District Attorney. He is running against Reisa Vetri-Ferman, the First Deputy District Attorney under the current Republican administration. Peter is a former U. S. Army prosecutor, having served as a Judge Advocate. Peter currently serves on the Springfield School Board and is former chair of the Springfield Democrats. Peter is a 2006 Center for Progressive Leadership (a Progressive Majority partner)-endorsed fellow. Peter resigned from his job as an in-house attorney to run as a full-time candidate. The addition of a qualified candidate running for District Attorney will help to ensure a win for both of our County Commissioner Candidates. Peter wants to reduce gun violence and implement Community Prosecution, bringing crime prevention into the neighborhoods.

Click here to support and learn more about Peter.

Ruth Damsker

Ruth Damsker is the current Montgomery County Commissioner. She is running for her third term as a team with former State Assemblyman Joseph Hoeffel. Together they are running to take control of the county courthouse from conservatives for the first time in 138 years. They are running against current District Attorney Bruce Castor and former Lt. Governor candidate and incumbent Commissioner James Matthews. Ruth has been endorsed by SEIU local 668 and 32BJ as well as the PSEA PACE Team, and anticipates being endorsed by groups such as Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood.

Click here to support and learn more about Ruth.

Joe Hoeffel

Joe Hoeffel, Attorney, former State Representative, Commissioner, Congressman and 2004 Candidate for Pennsylvania Senate, was recruited by the Montgomery County Democratic Committee to run as a teammate with Ruth Damsker for Montgomery County Commissioner. Together they are running to take control of the county courthouse from conservatives for the first time in 138 years. Joe was previously County Commissioner from 1992-1998, before running successfully for Congress 13th District in 1998.

Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

Lamont McClure, Jr.

Lamont McClure, Jr. has been a member of the Northampton County Council since his appointment in 2006, and is running for a four-year term for the 3rd county district. Since his appointment to Council, Lamont has been a tireless advocate for open and green space and farmland preservation. A practicing attorney, Lamont represents members of the United Steelworkers of America as well as the Ironworkers, Teamsters, Operating Engineers, Steamfitters, Electricians, and Carpenters. Three conservative candidates are running in an attempt to gain a takeover of the county council in the general election.

Click here to support and learn more about Lamont.

John Maher

John Maher is a first-time candidate running for Northampton County Council as a challenger to an eight-year incumbent. John successfully stopped Wal-Mart from building a new store in Northampton County, is a champion for small-town life, and is a retired Vice President of Bank of America. John is also a former member of the Air Force and worked his first job as a member of Structural Steel & Bridge Painters Union. Over 47% of the residents of John's district are over 65, so John wants to improve services to seniors (bus service, meals-on-wheels, and senior center). John will be facing conservative incumbent Ron Angel in the general election.

Click here to support and learn more about John.

Tony Branco

Tony Branco has been a member of the Northampton County Council since his appointment in 2006, and is running for a first full term for the at-large seat. Northampton is one of the six counties in Pennsylvania which have adopted a home rule charter - instead of being run by a Board of Commissioners and several Row Officers, voters elect an executive and a nine-person council where the executive is elected by all voters in the county as are five members of the council. Tony is running as one of three Democrats against three Republicans for one of the three at-large seats up on the council. The top three vote-getters will be elected.

Click here to support and learn more about Tony.

Mary Jeffery

Mary Jeffery is running for Bensalem Township Council and is the Executive Director of Bensalem Hope. She owns a small business in the community, serves as the Secretary of the Bucks County Democratic Executive Committee, is chair of the Bensalem Democrats, and was integral in leading the campaign effort in Bensalem for Congressman Patrick J. Murphy. Bensalem Township Council has five members with only one Democrat who won in 2005. Moreover, every elected seat in the county was held by a Republican until 2005. This year two seats are up; two Democratic challengers and two Republican incumbents are running for these two available seats. Mary is running a joint campaign with Alex McDowell for Township Council in order to gain a Democratic majority. If both candidates win, there will be a power shift with the first progressive, Democratic majority on the council in over twenty years. This is the first time in over twenty years that Democrats have a strong chance of instituting progressive change in Bensalem Township. Mary & Alex face Republicans Ed Kisselback, a twelve-year incumbent, and Joe Knowels, a Real Estate Developer.

Click here to support and learn more about Mary.

Alex McDowell

Alex McDowell is running for Bensalem Township Council (Mary Jeffery is running a joint campaign). Alex is currently a fundraiser for the public television station. He is an elected committeeman of five years and ran for Auditor in 2005 where he received 49% of the vote against an entrenched Republican. Bensalem Township Council has five members with one Democrat who won in 2005 - should Alex and Mary win their races the Bensalem Township Council will gain a progressive, Democratic majority County residents are concerned about the promise of property tax rebates generated by the new casino in their area (less than 1/3 of the anticipated yearly revenue has been allocated to a property tax refund). This year two seats are up; two Democratic challengers and two Republican incumbents are running for these two available seats. Mary & Alex face Republicans Ed Kisselback, a twelve-year incumbent and Joe Knowels, a Real Estate Developer.

Click here to support and learn more about Alex.

German Yakubov

German Yakubov is a first-time candidate running for Auditor of Bensalem Township as a part of the Bensalem Democratic Organization slate for the 2007 Election. He will be facing Republican John Mathieu in the general election. German is 23 years old, a graduate of Bensalem H.S. and Saint Joseph's University with a major in Political Science. He is a U.S. Marine Corp Junior Reserve Officer (Captain), member of the Bensalem Rotary Club, Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau. The current Township Council has only one Democrat serving. The Township just opened a casino and the anticipated revenue generated needs to be prioritized to return benefits to the residents.

Click here to support and learn more about German.

Willie Reynolds

At age 25, Willie Reynolds secured one of three Democratic spots of four candidates running for three at-large seats for Bethlehem City Council. In an upset victory in the primary in May, Willie defeated an incumbent.

Willie is currently a legislative aide to State Representative Steve Samuelson, is a life long resident of Bethlehem, and a proud product of the Bethlehem Area School District.

If elected, Willie will focus on the issues of open city government, crime in Bethlehem, the impending redevelopment of Bethworks, and the issue of economic revitalization.

Click here to support and learn more about Willie.

Jason Salus

Jason Salus is a candidate for the Conshohocken Council's 1st Ward. Currently a Director of Real Estate Development for a non-profit organization that helps working families purchase first time homes, Jason is a volunteer member of his local Conshohocken Planning Commission. With an M.B.A. from Temple and a B.S. in Finance from Penn State, Jason has the skills to manage a township budget in spite of his young age of 29. Jason is managing the campaign for the local school board candidates and is a strong supporter labor and teachers' unions.

Click here to support and learn more about Jason.

Jessie Cocks

Jessie Cocks has been an activist all her life. She has personally been arrested for protesting against homelessness and against nuclear proliferation in the 1980's. In the late 1970's she co-founded and directed the Women's Resource Center (currently known as the Domestic Violence Center) for battered and abused women and children. Jessie is a Reiki Healer and performs with a troop of GLBT Women called Playback For Change. Jesse is currently the Chair of the Kennett Square Democratic Committee and a committee person for her precinct. Jessie's strength as a mediator in conflict resolution will assist in bringing harmony back to a contentious environment on the council.

Click here to support and learn more about Jessie.

Jennifer D'Amato-Dow

Jennifer D'Amato-Dow is a candidate for a seat on Plymouth Township Council, Ward 2. Jennifer has lived in her district for eleven years and works as a hairdresser at the local shopping center. Her husband is a member of the Steelworkers Union 375 (Paperworkers). There is currently one Democrat on the council and there has never been a woman on council from Ward 2. She believes she can bring a neighborhood spirit to her community and wants to help seniors and young families connect with each other at a township community center. She wants to improve township communication and transportation for seniors.

Click here to support and learn more about Jennifer.

Lisette Agosto

Lisette Agosto is a candidate for the Bensalem School Board as a part of the Bensalem Democratic Organization slate for the 2007 Primary Election. Lisette is a former member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and has been a Bensalem resident since 2005. The nine-member school board was composed entirely of Republican members until the Bensalem Democratic Organization ran four Democrats against Republicans in 2005 and all four Democrats won. The remaining five Republicans are running for re-election and are facing challenges from five progressives, who anticipate a school board takeover.

Click here to support and learn more about Lisette.

Paul Bujwid

Paul Bujwid is a candidate for the Bensalem School Board as a part of the Bensalem Democratic Organization slate for the 2007 General Election. He is running with four other progressives to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Paul is a retired special education teacher has coached soccer for 12 years and remains a member of PSEA union.

Click here to support and learn more about Paul.

Melissa Heller

Melissa Heller is a candidate for the Bensalem School Board as a part of the Bensalem Democratic Organization candidate slate for the 2007 General Election. She is running with four other progressives to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Melissa currently works as a special education teacher in neighboring Bristol Township and is a former substitute teacher in Bensalem Township. Melissa is a member of the NEA and was Secretary for the Bristol Township Teachers Association from 2005-2006.

Click here to support and learn more about Melissa.

Tom Humensky

Tom Humensky is a candidate for the Bensalem School Board as a part of the Bensalem Democratic Organization slate for the 2007 Primary Election. He is running with four other progressives to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Tom is a long-time resident and a retired teacher of Industrial Arts in Bensalem Township. Tom is a member of the Bensalem Township Teachers Association and is the Past President of the Association.

Click here to support and learn more about Tom.

Janette Reed

Janette Reed is a candidate for the Bensalem School Board as a part of the Bensalem Democratic Organization slate for the 2007 Primary Election. She is running with four other progressive Democrats to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Janette is the Home & School President of Belmont Elementary School - a position she has held for seven years. Janette is also a 22-year Executive Board Member of the Belmont Elementary School.

Click here to support and learn more about Janette.

Jerry Glick

Jerry Glick is a candidate for the Colonial School Board as a part of ''The Right Team'' - a five-member slate for the 2007 General Election. He is running with four other progressive Democrats to gain a complete takeover of the Board. He is an adjunct professor in the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies at Philadelphia University. Jerry brings a strong financial asset to the school board, which is currently spending amongst the highest per pupil while failing to achieve comparable results to neighboring school districts that spend less per pupil.

Click here to support and learn more about Jerry.

Dave Reppert

Dave Reppert is a candidate for the Colonial School Board as a part of ''The Right Team'' - a five-member slate for the 2007 General Election. He is running with four other progressive Democrats to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Dave is 46 years old, and openly gay. Dave is a controller by profession and will bring skills to a school board that is not run with fiscal responsibility.

Click here to support and learn more about Dave.

Fred Dugan

Fred Dugan is a candidate for the Colonial School Board as a part of ''The Right Team'' - a five-member slate for the 2007 General Election. He is running with four other progressive Democrats to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Fred is a former teacher and a member of PSEA. Fred has lived in his district for 20 years and taught Elementary and Secondary Education in grades 2-8. There are currently no teachers on the school board, and Fred would represent their unique perspective in office.

Click here to support and learn more about Fred.

Crystal Taylor

Crystal Taylor is a candidate for the Colonial School Board as a part of ''The Right Team'' - a five-member slate for the 2007 General Election. She is running with four other progressive Democrats to gain a complete takeover of the Board. Crystal serves as the Chair of the Youth Aid Panel, a mediation board to review instances of juvenile disobedience and direct first time defendants into community service or education. Crystal is now working full-time as a licensed insurance agent providing advice to seniors on the most appropriate health care plans based on their needs.

Click here to support and learn more about Crystal.

Frank Gillen

Frank Gillen is a candidate for the Colonial School Board as a part of ''The Right Team'' - a five-member slate for the 2007 General Election. He is running with four other progressive Democrats to gain a complete takeover of the Board. In 1997, Frank was elected to the first of two terms to the Plymouth Township council, easily winning re-election four years later (1998-2006). Frank was a member of the Operating Engineers until his promotion to management. Frank is running to bring open and accountable government to the school board.

Click here to support and learn more about Frank.

Heather Arnet

Heather Arnet is running for Pittsburgh School Board of Directors, District 2. Heather is Executive Director of the Women and Girls Foundation (WGF) and is the Regional Vice President of the Pennsylvania Women's Campaign Fund Board of Directors. Heather spearheaded the WGF's effort to pursue legislation at the city, county, and state levels for fair representation for women and people of color on Pennsylvania's appointed boards, authorities and commissions. As Progressive Majority works in Allegheny County to recruit new candidates and progressive leaders, Heather will be an asset as a progressive advocate.

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Bill Sherman

Bill Sherman is running for King County Prosecutor, a position that was left unexpectedly left vacant by the death of Norm Maleng, the long-standing moderate Republican prosecutor, who was elected in 1978. The seat has been in Republican hands for over 60 years. Bill currently serves as a prosecutor from the Domestic Violence Unit of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and he brings the experience and perspective of those on the front lines of criminal prosecution. Prior to joining the Prosecutor's Office, he practiced civil litigation, serving on the legal team representing the victims of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in their quest for justice against Exxon Mobil, and in the 1990s, he worked in the Clinton Administration as an aide to first Vice President Al Gore and then to Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt. His general election opponent is Deputy Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, a Republican who was Maleng's chief of staff.

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John Lovick

John Lovick is running for the non-partisan Snohomish County Sheriff. Recently retired after 31-years with the Washington State Patrol, Sgt. Lovick was been named the ''Trooper of the Year'' and holds many awards for his service. John is a union member with the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association. Since 1999, he has served in the Washington State House of Representatives, rising to the position of Speaker Pro Tempore. From 1994-1999, he served on the Mill Creek City Council, two of those years as Mayor. If elected, he would be only the third sitting person of color elected at the county level in Washington state and the only outside of King County. In addition, he will be the first person of color in Washington state to serve as an elected sheriff.

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Steve Oliver

Steve Oliver is running for the non-partisan position of Whatcom County Treasurer. Steve has served two terms on Ferndale's City Council including his current position as Mayor Pro Tem. He is uniquely qualified for the position as Treasurer, having worked in the Treasurer's office since 1998 and appointed Chief Deputy Treasurer in 1999. He is a former member of Teamsters Local 231, previously served on the Ferndale Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments serves as Board President of the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club, and represents small cities on the Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence. His opponent, conservative former State Sen. Joe Elenbaas, has unsuccessfully run for several elected offices in recent years. Recently, Elenbaas allegedly threatened a Whatcom County Sheriff's sergeant, and has served time in jail for firing a shotgun near a process server.

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Bob Kelly

Bob Kelly is running for the non-partisan Whatcom County Council. He is a member of the Nooksack Tribe in Northwestern Washington. Bob first became interested in politics with his work on salmon recovery issues as Natural Resources Director with the Nooksack. He is also heavily involved in his community, serving as treasurer with the NW Indian Fish Commission which is comprised of 20 tribes. Bob will be running for Whatcom County Council for a progressive-held, open seat in a progressive district. His race is important in that he would not only become the first Native American to serve on that board, but also the first Native American to hold County office in Washington State. Currently, there are only two people of color of any race (Larry Gossett and Ron Sims) holding any county office in the state. Bob has participated in numerous individual sessions on fundraising, stump speeches, field plans, and other trainings.

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Ken Mann

Ken Mann is running for the non-partisan Whatcom County Council. He is a property manager and historic building re-developer in Whatcom County. Currently Ken is chairman of the Whatcom County Planning Commission and is involved with the Downtown Renaissance Network & City Club. Currently, the non-partisan council has 4 Democrats and 3 Republicans, with the Democratic delegation having 3 progressives and 1 moderate. If Ken wins, he will ensure a progressive majority on the council. He is running in a traditionally conservative district of the County, currently represented by conservative Sam Crawford. Crawford has voted to allow higher arsenic levels in Lake Whatcom (the source of the City of Bellingham's drinking water.) Ken has attended numerous Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone, as well as individual sessions on fundraising, and stump speeches.

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Alec Fisken

Alec is running for re-election as one of the two progressive members of the non-partisan Seattle Port Commission. He works as a financial analyst for the City of Seattle, and is facing a tough re-election campaign. The Commission is currently split with 3 conservatives and 2 progressives; if Alec retains his seat, and we beat one conservative commissioner up this year, we will have a progressive majority on the commission for the first time ever. Despite its name, the Seattle Port Commission is elected by all of the voters of King County; more than 450,000 votes are expected to be cast in this race.

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Dan McShane

Dan McShane is running for Bellingham Mayor, a non-partisan seat. Dan is currently in his second term on the Whatcom County Council. He is a geologist and small-business owner. Dan is a very prominent environmentalist; both he and his wife Lisa have served on numerous boards and commissions related to environmental issues. He also taught in public schools for more than seven years and is a former union member of both the California Education Association (NEA) and the Teamsters Union. Dan has a proven ability to fundraise and well-known zeal for door-belling.

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Ramona Fonseca

Ramona Fonseca is running for the non-partisan position of Mayor of Granger, a small town in the Yakima Valley. A retired state employee and activist, Ramona is running for several reasons. Granger has a heavy Latino/a population (86%), yet this overwhelming majority is not reflected in city government. After years of pressuring the city council and mayor to respond to citizen's request for information, Ramona has decided a change is needed; she is running to bring a community voice to the city.

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Barry Peters

Barry Peters is running for the non-partisan Bainbridge Island City Council. Barry is cofounder and president of the non-profit Sustainable Bainbridge and co-chairman of Bainbridge Conservation Voters. Barry received a bachelor's degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University and attended law school at the University of Pennsylvania. He will run for the at-large position now held by a conservative who is not seeking re-election. Barry is running on a ''clean campaign pledge'' and will only accept contributions of $100 or less. Barry's opponent, John Waldo, is a local land-use attorney and former newspaper reporter, was actively recruited by local developers. Fortunately, the city is progressive, voting for John Kerry by 65%, and has elected progressive environmentalists in the past. Barry has attended several Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone.

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Hilary Franz

Hilary Franz is running for the non-partisan Bainbridge Island City Council. She is an accomplished environmental land-use lawyer, with ten years experience working with local governments, non-profit organizations and community groups on land use and environmental issues. She is a board member for the Washington Environmental Council and Bainbridge Island Trust for Working Landscapes, and she has been endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters and the 23rd District Democrats. Hilary is running unopposed in the general election.

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Laurie Carter

Laurie is running for an open seat on the non-partisan Bonney Lake City Council. A member of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3937, Dist. 11, she has worked in public service for 16 years, working to administer federally-regulated social security programs in Washington. In 2005, she was appointed to the Bonney Lake Park Board, and served as the Executive Director of the non-profit ''Beautify Bonney Lake,'' a partnership of citizens, commerce and government to enhance the beauty of the city. For her efforts she received the 2007 Community Impact Award. Her family has lived in the downtown area for 10 years and in the greater Bonney Lake area since 1986. She supports a walking downtown that will invite families to shop downtown and allow the current businesses to remain and thrive in a revitalized downtown.

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Stephen Lamphear

Stephen is seeking to regain a seat on the non-partisan Burien City Council. Stephen has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and has over 30 years experience working in Government and private business. Currently, he owns a small tax-preparing business in Burien. The council is currently made up of 2 progressives, 4 moderate-to-conservative Democrats and 1 conservative Republican. He is running against the sitting conservative Republican member of the council -- Gordon Shaw. Stephen is a strong advocate and has earned much praise as a model city legislator for his previous two terms in government. His election would simultaneously eliminate conservative opposition and increase the progressive voice in Burien.

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Adrienne Fraley-Monillas

Adrienne is running for the non-partisan Edmonds City Council. She serves on the Executive Board of the Washington Federation of State Employees, an affiliate of AFSCME. Adrienne works at Fircrest, a Washington State Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) for the developmentally disabled, located just north of Seattle. Fircrest offers habilitation services to its permanent residents, and is able to offer various licensed professional services to developmentally disabled clients who are served in community settings. She is married and has one son, Dominic, who has Down's Syndrome. Adrienne is a Democratic Precinct Committee Officer and is running for Edmonds City Council, for an open seat. The 7-member council is made up of two Democrats (one of whom is progressive), and five conservatives.

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Strom Peterson

Strom Peterson is running for the non-partisan Edmonds City Council, challenging conservative Councilmember David Orvis. Strom and his wife, Maria, have been married for 13 years and moved to Edmonds in 2001. He owns Olives Cafe and Wine Bar in Downtown Edmonds. Strom became Vice President of the Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association in 2003 and President in 2004. In 2004, he was also appointed to the Board of the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Olives was expanded, and a second business, Resident Cheesemonger, on Main Street in Edmonds, was born. His wife, Maria, is the Executive Director of a charitable foundation that provides scholarships and grants to military families. Strom ran two years ago, getting in late versus two established candidates and coming in third in the primary. He decided to ''do it right'' this time and has been running hard for months. He has been endorsed by the Snohomish County Democrats, the 21st and 32nd District Democrats, the mayor of Edmonds, and several current or former councilmembers.

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David Stemp

David is running for the non-partisan Fircrest City Council. David and his wife, Katie, have two sons. David is a chiropractor and has practiced in south Tacoma with his mother, who is also a chiropractor, for the last nine years. Last year, he worked with Progressive Majority Candidate Rep. Troy Kelley and gained valuable experience and insight into the process of running a successful campaign. Fircrest is a small town in the middle of the swing 28th legislative district, south of Tacoma, and has a 4-3 conservative majority. In addition, the fate of a proposed Walmart could hang in the balance in this election. This race is important to build a progressive majority locally.