2008 Fall
Progressive Majority Candidates

Corey Woods

In 2008, Corey Woods was elected to the non-partisan Tempe City Council. Corey ran unsuccessfully for the council in 2005, but afterward he became more involved in the community by serving on the City of Tempe's Transportation Commission, the Boards of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs, Communities in Schools, Kiwanis Club of Tempe, and Tempe Community Action Agency. Corey is the first African-American to serve on the City Council of Tempe.

Click here to support and learn more about Corey.

Pat Fleming

Progressive Majority fielded Pat for her in her first bid for the House in District 25 in 2006 against an entrenched incumbent. While unsuccessful, Pat ran a great race and is ran again, this time for an open seat. Pat is a retired member of AFGE, the federal government employees union. District 25 is a sprawling rural district that runs along much of the Mexican border where illegal crossing is occurring. Pat is retired from the U.S. Department of the Defense, where she oversaw multi-million dollars budgets. She was a Clean Elections candidate.

Click here to support and learn more about Pat.

Marty Block

Marty Block won the race for the 78th Assembly District. Previously, he was elected to the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees, and served on the San Diego Board of Education. The 78th is was held by a conservative, but who was term-limited out of office. This district has grown more Democratic over the years and was one of the best opportunities for a progressive victory this year. Marty will provide a strong platform for progressive issues in San Diego.

Click here to support and learn more about Marty.

Joe Neguse

Joe Neguse was a first-time candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent Congressional District 2. Joe is a young, African American law student at the University of Colorado. He was appointed by the Boulder City Council as a Commissioner on the Boulder Housing Authority, and is a co-founder and former Board Chair of New Era, Colorado, an organization that engages young people around voter registration and mobilization. Congressional District 2 encompasses Boulder, the northern Denver suburbs and about four counties on the western slope. Joe's election will bring a more progressive, diverse voice to the board. He was endorsed by numerous elected officials at all levels of government, labor groups and prominent community members.

Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

Matt Patten

Matt Patten was the Democratic candidate for the 18th Ohio State House District. Matt has a long history of activism and labor organizing and is currently a Regional Labor-Management Field Coordinator. As a professional community organizer, Matt is a fearless champion for improving economic opportunity, education, and universal access to healthcare. He had the endorsements of local and statewide labor. This seat was a top-tier pickup in the quest for the four seats we needed for a Democratic majority in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Click here to support and learn more about Matt.

Marian Harris

Marian Harris was the Democratic candidate for the 19th House District. Marian worked for Governor Strickland's Early Childhood Development workgroup. She ran for this seat in 2006 against a popular member of the Republican leadership and lost, 45%-55%. Marian's opponent in this open seat was County Coroner Brad Lewis. Marian was a tireless campaigner and a committed progressive champion. She has a solid record in Ohio politics working for Senator Howard Metzenbaum for eight years, Governor Richard Celeste for seven years, and then as a community activist and in the non-profit sector. Marian was endorsed by labor, including the AFL-CIO and Ohio Federation of Teachers, NARAL and other allies. She is a passionate advocate for quality education, affordable, quality health care, and economic development. Marian was a tough, hardworking candidate who won in an emerging demographic-targeted region.

Click here to support and learn more about Marian.

Connie Pillich

Connie Pillich was the Democratic candidate for the 28th Ohio House District, an area that includes the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. Connie is a general practice attorney representing families, small businesses and consumers. The 28th District was a tier-one pickup opportunity located in an emerging demographic targeted region. Connie's opponent, a three-term Republican, was appointed to a state office by the Governor and the Republicans have not yet indentified a replacement. This district was a must-win if Democrats are to have a shot at the four-seat pickup in the Ohio House. Connie actively canvassed from April on, knocking-on more than 2,000 doors. She was endorsed by many of our progressive allies in the state including IBEW, Ohio AFL-CIO and the Ohio Federation of Teachers. Connie was a first-rate candidate, a committed progressive, a tough campaigner, and won this race.

Click here to support and learn more about Connie.

Mike Moran

Mike Moran was the Democratic candidate for the 42nd House District. The incumbent Republican dropped out and this was an open seat. Mike is a former environmental attorney and the President of the Hudson City Council. Mike comes from the ranks of the Summit County Progressive Democratic Club, and is a great fit for this Republican-held, but moderate district. Mike has a track-record and has proven appeal to independent and Republican voters by winning his council seat in Hudson, the most Republican part of the district. Despite his win in a Republican area, Mike has remained true to his progressive ideals. Mike was endorsed by numerous Progressive Majority-allied groups such as the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Ohio AFL-CIO, Akron Education Association, and the Summit County Progressive Democrats.

Click here to support and learn more about Mike.

Peter Goldmark

Peter Goldmark has owned and operated his family's Okanogan ranch for more than 30 years. In 2006, Peter ran for Congress. It was a surprisingly competitive race against an entrenched incumbent in WA-5, a very conservative congressional district. Progressive Majority, along with members of our Washington Advisory Council, helped recruit Peter into the race for Commissioner of Public Lands. The Lands Commissioner is Washington state's highest environmental office; the position oversees the state's Department of Natural Resources. The conservative incumbent commissioner, Doug Sutherland, had continuely expressed skepticism regarding the causes and potential impacts of global warming.

Click here to support and learn more about Peter.

Helen Price Johnson

Helen Price Johnson, along with her husband, owns and manages a successful small business on Whidbey Island. She was elected to the South Whidbey School Board in 2001, and did represent the board on legislative issues at the state and federal level. In 2006 we helped elect Progressive Majority candidate John Dean to the Island County Commission. He is the sole progressive on the three-member commission. John introduced us to Helen in early 2007 as a possible candidate for a future campaign. After meeting with Helen, we knew she would be a great candidate for the Island County Commission. With her victory, we now have a progressive majority on the Island County Commission! In the summer of 2007, the four-term conservative District 1 incumbent stepped down from his seat. Subsequently, the Island County Planning Director, Phil Bakke, was appointed to fulfill the last year of his term, and was seeking election. Bakke had proven to be closely aligned with the conservative Republican majority on the board. We needed Helen on the Commission to stop Bakke from getting a solid conservative hold on this seat.

Click here to support and learn more about Helen.

Mike Giese

Mike Giese served on the Onalaska City Council for six years before running for mayor unsuccessfully against a long-time incumbent. In his second attempt running for mayor in 2008, he was victorious by nine votes. Mike is a former owner of the Onalaska Community Life Newspaper, which he sold when he decided to seek public office. Mike made progressive issues, such as health care and the environment, the centerpiece of his campaign. With his election, now he can put those values into action.

Click here to support and learn more about Mike.

Fred Clark

Fred Clark challenged a three-term incumbent, Doc Hines for State Assembly District 42. Fred is a conservationist, consulting forester and small business owner. Fred was appointed by Republican Governor Thompson in 1998 to represent Columbia County on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway Board, and to the Wisconsin Council on Forestry by Democratic Governor Doyle in 2004. Fred was a founder of the Woodland School, a Baraboo-based educational program offering conservation training to private landowners, now in its 10th year. He was also a founding member of the Baraboo Range Preservation Association, a non-profit land trust serving Sauk and Columbia counties. As state Representative, Fred will be a strong conservation advocate and lead the fight for affordable health care and job growth.

Click here to support and learn more about Fred.

Penny Bernard Schaber

Penny was a Progressive Majority endorsed candidate in 2006, when she received 46.8% of the vote against a 10-year incumbent who had never faced a challenger. With the incumbent's unexpected retirement earlier this year, Penny was well positioned to win election to the State Assembly, District 57. Penny works as a physical therapist and has practiced in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, and currently works in the local schools (an NEA member). Penny is also a former chair of the John Muir Chapter of Sierra Club, where she has worked on conservation issues for more than 20 years. Since the 2006 election, Penny has remained active and has continued to grow the 200-person volunteer army that she built in her first campaign. Penny has completed further campaign training, including graduating from Emerge Wisconsin. Penny won the endorsements of the local firefighters' union, United Steelworkers, the Sierra Club and progressive U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

Click here to support and learn more about Penny.

Kristen Dexter

Kristen Dexter ran an aggressive, smart campaign for the 68th Assembly seat. Kristen was a star campaign volunteer for Pat Kreitlow, a Progressive Majority candidate elected to the state Senate in 2006. Kristen ran because she wants to bring needed change to Madison, holding state representatives accountable to the people rather than big business or special interests.

Kristen's commitment to children and families in the Chippewa Valley is evident. She was elected to the Altoona School Board in 2001 and has served as Clerk of the Board since 2004. She also serves on the Regional Steering Committee for Health Literacy Wisconsin. Kristen learned the value of hard work growing up on her family's farm. She thinks it is time to put an end to the petty bickering in Madison and to get to work solving the problems that we face as a state. As state representative, she will continue to work for health care reform, to improve the economy, and to keep our education system strong in order to prepare our kids for the future.

Click here to support and learn more about Kristen.

Rae Waters

Rae Waters is a member of the Kyrene School Board who ran for state representative in District 20. Rae received endorsements from all corners of organized labor. District 20 is a traditionally Republican district that, due to changing registration numbers and the political climate, is trending Democratic. Rae ran on the Democratic Party's platform of fiscal responsibility, and strengthening health care and education. She was a Clean Elections candidate.

Click here to support and learn more about Rae.

Rick Heumann

Rick Heumann, won race for the Chandler City Council, is a long-time resident of Chandler and has been active in the community for more than 20 years. Rick has served eight years on the city planning and zoning commission, has served on several other city commissions, and has been president of a large homeowner's association. Chandler is a conservative community east of Phoenix, but a well-run progressive campaign can succeed there. Progressive Majority candidate Trinity Donovan was the top vote-getter in Chandler's elections two years ago, and as the lone progressive on the council, she now has help to move forward a progressive agenda. On the council, Rick will advocate smart and sustainable growth policies, expansion of mass transit and a greater emphasis on parks and other city services that increase quality of life.

Click here to support and learn more about Rick.

Marquisha Griffin

Marquisha Griffin is a 32-year-old member of the Maricopa City Council. She is the only female and the only person of color on the city council. Marquisha is also in her third term on the City of Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission. She volunteers at local charity events and city-sponsored activities and is currently employed by the City of Mesa as a City Council assistant.

Click here to support and learn more about Marquisha.

Matt Jewett

A Center for Progressive Leadership fellow, Matt Jewett ran to fulfill the remaining two years of the term Progressive Majority candidate Tiffany Troidl left vacant on the Creighton Elementary School Governing Board when she left the board. Tiffany recruited Matt and helped him get appointed by the county superintendent of schools to serve on the board until the November election, so he is technically an incumbent. Matt's day job is working for the Children's Action Alliance, a prominent Arizona non-profit. He is openly gay. Matt campaigned on a platform of strengthening student performance even in the face of declining enrollment, and assuring that all students have the tools to succeed at the high school level.

Click here to support and learn more about Matt.

Carl Zaragoza

Carl Zaragoza is a former Teach for America corps member and an Army veteran. Progressive Majority recruited Carl through local community partners and past candidates. Progressive Majority has worked with Carl since the beginning of his race for the Creighton Elementary School Governing Board. He ran on the platform of celebrating real, significant academic achievement, Carl understands how critical the public school system is for a community's growth. Carl won one of three available four-year seats, the three highest vote getters win this race.

Click here to support and learn more about Carl.

Rosemary Arthur

Rosemary Arthur, a medical billing specialist at Planned Parenthood, ran for an open seat on the Glendale Elementary School Governing Board and won. This was her first run for public office. We recruited Rosemary through our partnership with the Arizona Education Association, Planned Parenthood and the Center for Progressive Leadership. One of the reasons Rosemary ran, is to guarantee medically-accurate sex education in Glendale's schools, a program that is threatened by a growing conservative bloc in the city.

Click here to support and learn more about Rosemary.

Robin Stamp

Robin Stamp was a first-time candidate for the Madison Elementary School District Governing Board. Robin, 30, was a fellow at the Center for Progressive Leadership and works for the Arizona Attorney General's Office in its consumer outreach division.

Robin is dedicated to safer schools for our children. In his position as an outreach coordinator for the attorney general, Robin has extensive experience working with students, teachers, administrators and parents on school safety.

Robin understands the importance of a supportive work environment for Arizona's educators. One of Robin's primary goals is to attract and retain top teachers in the Madison School District. Robin's vision is for the district to be the leader in 21st century education, and he believes we must educate our children to be leaders and innovators in the new global economy.

Click here to support and learn more about Robin.

Liz Meza

Liz Meza was a candidate in the non-partisan race for an open seat on the Phoenix Elementary School Governing Board and won. Three seats were up, all elected at-large. Liz, the sister of Robert Meza, a progressive member of the Arizona House of Representatives, is a prominent member of the community making her first run for public office. She ran on a platform of improving conditions in Phoenix's inner city schools, effectively confronting the issues of reduced enrollment due to enhanced immigration enforcement and charter schools, and improving communication between school administration and the community. Liz's perspective as a member of the Latino community is desperately needed - this school district has an enrollment of 85 percent Latino students and 5 percent Caucasian students, yet all five board members are Caucasian.

Click here to support and learn more about Liz.

Sherri Connell

Sherri Connell, 36, was a first-time candidate running for a position on the Tempe Elementary School Governing Board. A graduate of Emerge Arizona, Sherri is a young candidate with a bright political future. A mother of two, Sherri understands the issues facing the Tempe Elementary District from the perspective of a parent whose children attend the schools. She wants to improve communication between school administration and parents, reduce class sizes and work to retain quality teachers. Sherri was a challenger running for one of three seats up for election in this non-partisan race.

Click here to support and learn more about Sherri.

Rochelle Wells

Rochelle Wells is a social worker and an appointed incumbent member of the Tempe Elementary School Board who ran to retain her seat. This is her first run for public office. Rochelle has been a standout board member since her appointment, keeping a very high-profile in the community with both public appearances and newspaper op-eds on behalf of students and teachers. Rochelle ran along with another Progressive Majority candidate, Sherri Connell, for two of the three available seats on the board.

Click here to support and learn more about Rochelle.

Mark Stegeman

Ran as a challenger for the Tucson Unified School Governing Board, first-time candidate Mark Stegeman is an MIT-educated professor of economics at the University of Arizona. Mark ran for this non-partisan office because of his passion for education and because of the terrible mismanagement the district during the past several years. Tucson Unified is the largest school district in Arizona; it includes more than 150 schools and receives more dollars per student in funding than any other district in the state. Due to bloated bureaucracy, however, the district ranks near the bottom in the state in terms of dollars spent per student. During the past few years, Mark has been serving on the district's budget advisory committee, and he will use his experience on the committee, as an economist, and as a small business owner to streamline the district's overhead to put more money in the classroom and increase teacher pay.

Click here to support and learn more about Mark.

Carolyn Lane

Carolyn Lane is a real estate agent, small-business owner who ran for constable in the Arcadia-Biltmore justice precinct. The constable is a county-level partisan elected official who carries out court actions assigned by the justice of the peace. Carolyn is openly LGBT and is very active with the Human Rights Campaign, even serving as host of HRC's gala fundraiser last year. Progressive Majority has been involved with Carolyn's campaign since before she announced her candidacy. Carolyn ran on a platform of competent, effective administration of the constable's duties. She believes, as one of the only locally elected officials in the justice system, the constable has an important responsibility to the citizens of Maricopa County.

Click here to support and learn more about Carolyn.

Steve Sarkis

Steven Sarkis is a 24-year-old legal clerk who ran and won for justice of the peace in the Arcadia-Biltmore justice precinct in Maricopa County. This was Steven's first run for public office. Steven worked for the justice court for two years before he left to run for justice of the peace, which is a partisan elected office. This was an open seat held by a Democrat. Progressive Majority was been involved in Steven's race from the beginning and he relied heavily on our advice. Steven walked very aggressively for several weeks. The general election was very competitive, with the district almost exactly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

Click here to support and learn more about Steve.

Bob Blumenfield

Bob was elected to the California Assembly, 40th District. For the past seven years Bob has been the District Director to Congressman Howard Berman. Bob is Chair of the Valley Anti-Defamation League, Vice Chair of the California Trust for Public Schools and a former board member of the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters. Bob is a strong proponent of progressive issues in such key areas as education, healthcare, the environment and economic justice.

Click here to support and learn more about Bob.

Mark Ridley-Thomas

California State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas was elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, 2nd District, in the highest priority race for progressives in Los Angeles County in 2008. Mark ran against a formidable candidate, former chief of police and current Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks. Although elected by a majority African American district, Parks has a conservative voting record when it comes to investing in communities. If Parks had won, Los Angeles County would have been controlled by a conservative majority at a time when county hospitals and emergency services in communities of color are facing closure. Mark has been a staunch supporter of progressive issues such as the establishment of school health centers, consumer protection, community reinvestment, jobs and workforce development.

Click here to support and learn more about Mark.

Olga Diaz

Olga Diaz is a business owner, homeowner, mother of four, wife of an Escondido police lieutenant and an active member of the Escondido community. In 2002, she opened Blue Mug Coffee and Tea, a local progressive political hangout. Olga became incensed at the behavior of Escondido's government. In 2006, she challenged for a city council seat, but lost in the primary. Escondido has a 3-2 Republican edge in registration which makes this race difficult. Olga was endorsed by the San Diego Democratic Party and LCV. Progressive Majority began working with Olga in 2007; she received message development and a campaign plan from us. This race was difficult to win and it helped build a base in Escondido.

Click here to support and learn more about Olga.

Alejandra Solis

Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, 28, serves as the director of the Community Law Project at UC San Diego. She prepares undergraduate students for law school and careers in public policy. She is also the former district director for State Rep. Lori Saldana (AD79), who represents National City. In 2006, Solis ran for mayor of National City. She placed fourth, but emerged as a future leader. She brings a high level of energy to the often stagnant political debate in National City. Well versed on local issues, she has taken her previous election as a learning experience. Progressive Majority recruited her as she was deciding to run for council.

Click here to support and learn more about Alejandra.

Sherri Lightner

Sherri Lightner was elected to the 1st City Council District in San Diego. A community volunteer and leader, Sherri has served as president of both the La Jolla Town Council and the La Jolla Shores Association. An engineer by training, she is a recognized expert on land development law. Because of term limits, the 1st was an open seat. Sherri represents an opportunity for a progressive woman to make a difference in a historically moderate to conservative seat, allowing for a potential progressive majority.

Click here to support and learn more about Sherri.

John Lee Evans

John Lee Evans is a clinical psychologist and long-time progressive activist on education and social justice issues. He is defeated an incumbent Republican, Mitz Lee. John will provide a strong progressive voice on the school board for local control and improved opportunity for children in low-income and immigrant communities. John's win would created a progressive majority and a Democratic super majority.

Click here to support and learn more about John.

Richard Barrera

Richard Barrera was elected to the San Diego School District in Nominating Subdistrict D. Richard is Latino and a union organizer with SEIU Local 399. Richard faced a difficult race in the general election against conservative incumbent Luis Acle, a former Reagan administration official who has openly expressed interest in higher office, but Acle failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. This coup left Barrera unopposed for the general election. Barrera's victory created both a working progressive majority and a Democratic supermajority.

Click here to support and learn more about Richard.

Dan Gibbs

Dan Gibbs was appointed to Senate District 16 when Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald resigned her seat to run for congress. This was an important seat for the senate to protect. Senate District 16 is a large district which encompasses both sides of the continental divide and goes from Jefferson/Boulder counties to Summit County. Progressive Majority successfully fielded Dan in 2006 when he ran for the House of Representatives. Dan is a 32 year-old former congressional staffer and forest firefighter. He is a champion on environmental issues around both renewable energies and the bark beetle. Dan ran against a businessman, who is relatively unknown, but pushed a very pro-business agenda.

Click here to support and learn more about Dan.

Evie Hudak

Evie Hudak was elected to Senate District 19. She is a retired educator who has spent the last 20 years working to build a stronger early education program in Colorado. She has twice been elected to the State Board of Education. District 19 was held by term-limited progressive Senator Sue Windels, who ran for Jefferson County Commissioner. Her opponent was Libby Szabo, a right-wing conservative. Evie is strong voice for children and will lead on educational issues. This was an important race for the State Senate and generated quite a bit of attention and resources from both candidates and their supporters.

Click here to support and learn more about Evie.

Joe Miklosi

Joe Miklosi, former Progressive Majority Colorado State Director, was elected to State House District 9. The incumbent Democrat was a term-limited moderate who ran for higher office - State Senate. The district is located in Southeast Denver and is comprised of older, stable neighborhoods with a large Jewish population. Joe will bring passion, dedication and a progressive voice to all House District 9 residents. He secured the top line on the ballot through the caucus process, and was out walking and talking to voters every day.

Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

Dennis Apuan

Dennis Apuan was a first-time candidate running for House District 17 in Western El Paso County. A member of the Asian-Pacific Islander community, he has a strong background in community organizing and brings a base of grass-roots support. His top issues are economic justice, development of renewable energy sources and affordable healthcare. District 17 is a unique district in that it encompasses a large military base. Dennis is a strong progressive and will be another voice for progressive issues in the Statehouse.

Click here to support and learn more about Dennis.

Dianne Primavera

Representative Dianne Primavera was re-elected to the state House in District 33. Dianne is a progressive leader on healthcare issues and needs to return to the Capitol to finish the job she started. She received the Colorado Legislator Award from the CO Women's Chamber of Commerce and Denver Women's Commission. This year her opponent was Nick Kleibenstein, a graduate of the Leadership of the Rockies, a very conservative leadership training group in Colorado. Rep. Primavera represents a key county in the state and one where Progressive Majority has worked on both state and city races. Dianne is a passionate, dedicated and hard working progressive legislator.

Click here to support and learn more about Dianne.

Su Ryden

Su Ryden was a first-time candidate elected to House District 36 in Arapahoe County. Su is a business owner and community activist involved in the arts and historic preservation. House District 36 has had progressive representation for the last four years with Morgan Carroll, who ran for state Senate. Morgan is a strong progressive leader and Su's election will provide that continued progressive leadership. Su is a champion of economic opportunity, healthcare and transportation. She has been endorsed by several federal, state and local elected officials as well as by AFSCME, UTU, CEA and the AFL-CIO.

Click here to support and learn more about Su.

Wally White

Commissioner Wally White was re-elected to the La Plata County Commission. Wally is a long-time community activist and a llama farmer. Over the last 20 years he has served the La Plata County communities on a number of local planning commissions and boards. La Plata County is a largely rural county in southwest Colorado that includes the city of Durango. Wally is a champion of planning, water and oil and gas regulations issues, all of which are top priority in this rural county. He was endorsed by numerous community leaders. La Plata County has been a priority area for Progressive Majority, in 2006 we successfully fielded Joelle Riddle for La Plata County Commission. Wally's continued leadership is important in this corner of the state.

Click here to support and learn more about Wally.

Monisha Merchant

Monisha Merchant is a 31 year-old runningwho was elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents in Congressional District 7. She is a director of product management for Level 3 Communications and has a long history of political involvement, most recently in the Democratic presidential campaign. Monisha is a late addition to the ballot, replacing the original candidate who dropped out of the race. Her opponent is a Republican and current Chairperson of the Board of Regents. Monisha is dedicated to providing quality higher education to CU students, improving economic justice and opportunities within the university system and promoting the University of Colorado as a world-class research and development institution.

Click here to support and learn more about Monisha.

Gail Kulick Jackson

Gail Kulick Jackson is an attorney in Milaca, who was elected to the Minnesota State House in District 16A. Although Gail has been a candidate for the state House twice before (in 2004 and 2006), we actively recruited Gail to run again because of her strong progressive leadership in her community. The Republican was a six-term incumbent and was one of the most conservative members of the Minnesota House. Gail has been a progressive champion and will work to protect civil rights and expand vital investments in the state.

Click here to support and learn more about Gail.

Mike Obermueller

Mike Obermueller is an attorney from Eagan, and was elected the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 38B. Although Mike ran in 2006 (and lost by just 163 votes), we actively recruited him to run again, this time emphasizing his core, progressive values. We have worked with him to develop a comprehensive campaign plan, a detailed financial strategy and a progressive message. Eagan is the home of Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, and has been trending Democratic over the past three election cycles. The Republican three-term incumbent was increasingly vulnerable as his voting record diverges from the needs of the district, especially on education and transportation. Mike ran to help rebuild the Minnesota miracle, to ensure the economic, educational and civic success of our state.

Click here to support and learn more about Mike.

Paul Rosenthal

Paul Rosenthal is a historic building preservation specialist and was elected to House District 41B (southern Edina and western Bloomington). Paul is a passionate progressive inspired by another Paul - Paul Wellstone. He ran to bring those progressive values back to the state legislature. Paul ran against two-term incumbent Neil Peterson.

Click here to support and learn more about Paul.

Jerry Newton

Jerry Newton is a long time local leader in Coon Rapids, in western Anoka County. He served as a school board member in the Anoka-Hennepin School District for more than a decade and is well-known throughout District 49B. He ran to return traditional progressive values to the legislature. The seat opened up when Republican Kathy Tinglestad voted to override Governor Pawlenty's veto and was immediately rejected by the GOP. She opted not to run, rather than run as an independent.

Click here to support and learn more about Jerry.

Jan Callison

Jan Callison is the Mayor of Minnetonka and was elected to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. Jan was a three-term at-large city councilmember before being elected mayor in 2006. She is an attorney by training, but is better known in her community as a councilmember and mayor. She earned the support of AFSCME, WomenWinning and has bipartisan support from elected officials in the 14 communities represented in her commission district. Jan's opponent was conservative John Cooney, former aide to Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad. Callison's November victory will be a major victory and will ensure that a second woman's voice will be added to the Board.

Click here to support and learn more about Jan.

Jen Peterson

Jen Peterson is a mother of five and was a first-time candidate for city council from Cottage Grove, Minnesota (Washington County). Peterson is a former union member and currently runs a nonprofit, ACES, which focuses on child support enforcement. Jen's involvement in her community runs deep. She serves on the Women's Consortium Board, was appointed to the City's Human Services/Human Rights Commission and has served on the Cottage Grove Comprehensive Planning Committee. Peterson will bring a sensible voice to the city council and a November victory would shift the Cottage Grove City Council to a progressive majority.

Click here to support and learn more about Jen.

Danna Elling-Schultz

Danna Elling-Schultz is a DFL researcher in the Minnesota Senate and was re-elected to the City Council of Hastings. Danna has been a long-standing champion for public education funding and smart investment in suburban communities. She will continue to work against unfettered development and ensure fair and equal treatment of families in Hastings.

Click here to support and learn more about Danna.

Michael Wojcik

Michael Wojcik is a 31-year-old and was a first time candidate that was elected to Rochester City Council, Ward 2. Michael is an electrical engineer by training and currently works as an adjunct professor of finance at St. Mary's University. Michael also services as Chair of the Olmsted County Environmental Commission. Michael ran to bring responsible and ethical leadership to the Rochester City Council. Currently, the Rochester City Council is one of the most conservative in the state. A victory in this race will begin the shift towards a progressive majority. In this non-partisan race, Michael is one of five challengers to conservative incumbent Marcia Marcoux. Michael knocked on thousands of doors, and wasthe only candidate known to have been door-knocking. This investment in Rochester politics is an essential first step in one of the most important progressive targets in the state.

Click here to support and learn more about Michael.

Debbie White

Debbie White was a first-term at-large Winona City Council member (Southeastern MN) running who was re-elected in 2008. Debbie has recently finished her master's degree in business administration. She also brings leadership to the region as a co-chair of the Community Bridge Coalition to address a faulty bridge connecting Winona to Bluff Siding, WI. White's re-election to the Winona City Council was imperative in strengthening a progressive base in Southern Minnesota.

Click here to support and learn more about Debbie.

Carla Bates

Carla Bates was a first-time candidate who was elected to the Minneapolis School Board. Carla is the first openly-GLBT person to serve on the Board. Carla is a mother of three children in Minneapolis public schools and currently works in information technology at the University of Minnesota. Carla successfully secured the Demoractic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party endorsement with 80% of the vote this spring. She ran for one of three seats on the school board. She was endorsed by SEIU, Stonewall DFL, Regional Labor Union Council, Victory Fund and WomenWinning. The historic nature of Carla's candidacy and the fact that she has children in the public schools bodes well for her ability to drive a progressive agenda.

Click here to support and learn more about Carla.

Nancy Garland

Nancy Garland was elected to the 20th State House District. Nancy is CEO of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association and former Director of Government Affairs for the American Physical Therapy Association in Washington, DC. She is also an adjunct professor at the Ohio State University teaching Health Policy. Nancy is a seasoned political professional who we recruited to run for this seat based on her experience and commitment to progressive values. Nancy's opponent was the incumbent Representative Jim McGregor, who narrowly won in 2006 by just over 350 votes. McGregor is a conservative member of the legislature who was increasingly out-of-touch with this suburban district. The Ohio Republican Party saw this seat as one of their priorities to protect in 2008, due to McGregor's conservative leanings and the closeness of the previous election. Nancy is a progressive champion with major league potential.

Click here to support and learn more about Nancy.

Jay Goyal

Rep. Jay Goyal was re-elected to the 73rd Ohio House District, an area that includes rural/exurban Richland County. Jay is a 27 year old freshman legislator, engineer and vice president of a manufacturing company. Jay was elected in 2006 by knocking on more than 12,000 doors and was the first Asian-American to serve in the Ohio General Assembly.The 73rd is a must-hold if Democrats are to take control of the Ohio House. He was endorsed by Ohio Education Association, Ohio Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, IBEW, the Steelworkers and the Carpenters. Jay is a highly-regarded legislator, tireless campaigner and a candidate with pipeline potential. The example that he provides as a committed progressive legislator of color who wins in a Republican district made him the ideal endorsement for Progressive Majority.

Click here to support and learn more about Jay.

Debbie Phillips

Debbie and her committed volunteers knocked on thousands of doors. She also able to secure key early endorsements in the race including the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Ohio AFL-CIO, Ohio Education Association, International Brotherhood of Electoral Workers (Local 972) and Service Employees international Union (Local 1199).

Click here to support and learn more about Debbie.

Carolyn Rice

Carolyn Rice was the incumbent Montgomery County Treasurer. She was appointed in 2007 to the Treasurer's seat and faced a strong Republican challenge for 2008. Montgomery County includes the city of Dayton and its surroundings, a swing county that has been trending Democratic over the past couple of cycles and has the potential to become a stronghold for progressives. Carolyn is a deeply committed progressive and considered a regional leader for the movement. Carolyn's opponent was Gary Ross, a conservative stockbroker from Dayton.

Click here to support and learn more about Carolyn.

Kristen McKinley

Kristen McKinley was one of three candidates for the 6th State Board of Education District, an area that includes Franklin County in its entirety. Kristen is a labor and employment attorney for the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, an affiliate of AFSCME. The 6th is an urban and suburban district currently represented by Michael Cochran, another right-winger who snuck into the seat from a Democratic county. Kristen was endorsed by OAPSE, AFT, OEA, the Ohio AFL-CIO, and the Franklin County Democratic Party. Progressive Majority was part of a task force that included OFT, OEA, OAPSE/AFSCME, SEIU and the Governor's office that recruited Kristen.

Click here to support and learn more about Kristen.

Michael Collins

Mike Collins was elected to the State Board of Education District 9. He faced two opponents in a district that encompasses all or part of 19 counties. Mike is president of a marketing and media relations firm that specializes in the presentation of large community events. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, and is a former president of the Westerville City School Board of Education. He is the president-elect of the Ohio School Boards Association, Central Region and serves on its Board of Trustees as well as several of its committees. Mike was endorsed by OFT, OEA, and OAPSE. The district is exurban, rural and has several small cities including Zanesville, Lancaster, Newmark and Athens. Progressive Majority was part of a task force that included OFT, OEA, OAPSE/AFSCME, SEIU and the Governor's office that recruited Michael. The district leans slightly Democratic.

Click here to support and learn more about Michael.

Daylin Leach

Daylin Leach was the State Representative for the 149th Legislative District and was elected this year to the 17th Senatorial Seat, which was held by moderate Democratic Sen. Connie Williams, who recently announced her retirement from public office. District 17 includes parts of Delaware and Montgomery counties. It is a critical 'must protect' seat for progressives in the conservative-controlled Senate. Born in Philadelphia, Daylin graduated from Temple University with a degree in political science and went on to the University of Houston Law Center and later taught constitutional law, legal ethics and First Amendment law at Cedar Crest and Muhlenberg colleges. He has been involved in progressive politics since childhood, volunteering on campaigns since age 12. He served as president of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats in the early 1990s and in 1993 he even co-hosted a weekly political TV debate show. First elected to the Assembly in 2002, Daylin serves on both the Judiciary and Policy committees and is Democratic secretary of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. He and his wife live in Upper Merion with their son and daughter.

Click here to support and learn more about Daylin.

Tom Houghton

Tom Houghton is an attorney who was elected to the 13th Legislative District, representing Chester County. Tom was elected to serve on the London Grove Board of Supervisors in 2001 and became chair in 2004. As chair, Tom has lowered property taxes by nearly 9%, preserved farmland, and passed an ordinance to obtain impact fees from developers to fund parkland. He also allowed for the expansion of Yeatman's Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms and Gourmet's Delight, a group that instituted industry best practices and eliminated harmful air byproducts. In 2006, Tom ran against the incumbent, now retiring, and received 47% of the vote.

Click here to support and learn more about Tom.

Matthew Bradford

Matt Bradford is running for the 70th House District in Montgomery County, which includes East Norriton, Worcester, Towamencin, Lower Salford and Skippack. We have been working with Matt on strategy, message and fundraising, in order to ramp up his campaign. The district is a likely pick-up based on the fact that the Republican registration edge has been cut. Matt's opponent is Jay Moyer, a one-term incumbent with strong ties to conservative Gov. Tom Ridge's administration. Matt makes a strong case for sound economic development and equitable allocation of state dollars to support education initiatives in his districts' public schools. Matt has been an outspoken champion for quality public education as solicitor for the Norristown School Board, and he has a pro-labor track-record as solicitor for the Norristown Municipal Authority. He is also a former Chief-of-Staff to one of our most ardent progressive champions and 2007 farm-team member, former Congressman and current County Commissioner, Hon. Joe Hoeffel. Matt has strong ties to labor and is a past member of the United Steel Workers Union. Matt is personally committed to an aggressive door-to-door direct-voter-contact-program starting now and continuing thorough Election Day. He has been endorsed by the Montgomery County Democratic Committee. In order to expand the one-seat Democratic majority in the State House, we have targeted critical pick-up districts where progressive candidates are likely to win. The 70th State House District fits the criterion.

Click here to support and learn more about Matthew.

Barbara McIlvaine Smith

Barbara McIlvaine Smith was re-elected to the 156th Legislative District, Chester County. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Chester County whose family roots date back to 1683. Barbara is an enrolled member of the federally recognized Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma. In 2001, she was elected to the West Chester Borough Council and served as the vice president from 2004-2006. Barbara is a member of American Association of University Women; Sierra Club; League of Women Voters; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Organization for Women; and The National Women's Political Caucus. Barbara is the first Democrat in 30 years to hold the 156th legislative seat, and we helped her build on her historic 2006 win.

Click here to support and learn more about Barbara.

Tony Payton Jr.

Tony Payton Jr. won reelection in the 179th Legislative District, representing Philadelphia County. The 179th District is one of the poorest in the state, and African Americans and Latinos make up a majority population. Since his election to the General Assembly in 2006, Tony has been at the forefront of education reform in Pennsylvania. He introduced legislation to create the Pennsylvania Youth Commission and authored the REACH scholarship initiative. The REACH Scholarship would provide free tuition and fees to students in the State University System who maintain a 3.0 grade point average and a 90 percent attendance record. In 2007, Tony received the Philadelphia Tribune Leadership Award as one of the city's most influential African-Americans.

Click here to support and learn more about Tony.

Babette Josephs

Babette Josephs won re-election to the 182nd Legislative District, Philadelphia County. She is a senior Democratic legislator and serves as the Chair of the House State Government Committee, which will oversee re-districting in 2010. Babette is dedicated to civil liberties and is responsible for a number of laws and pieces of legislation, including hate crimes protection for against crimes based on sexual orientation. Babette authored the law that guarantees confidentiality of HIV records. She also helped pass a law providing for automatic recounts in close state election races, and has been at the forefront fighting against those who seek to limit first amendment rights. Her current efforts are aimed at increasing state funding for public libraries and the arts. Babette is working to secure adequate and permanent funding for public transit, improved access to health care for low income working adults, increase the minimum wage and to end discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals in health care, housing and employment.

Click here to support and learn more about Babette.

Kevin Ranker

When Sen. Harriet Spanel announced her retirement from the Senate this spring, we recruited Kevin Ranker, a San Juan County Commissioner and former United Food and Commercial Workers member. Kevin is a passionate environmentalist who has worked tirelessly to protect ocean habitats in his work with the Ocean Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Wilderness Network, and Friends of the San Juans. Kevin lined endorsements, including the Washington Conservation Voters, NARAL Pro-choice Washington, SEIU 925 and 775, and Kevin was the official nominee of the 40th Legislative District Democrats.

Click here to support and learn more about Kevin.

John Driscoll

John Driscoll is a first-time candidate, but long-time community advocate in Spokane. John works for the Spokane County Medical Society Foundation as the Executive Director of Project Access, providing universal, on-demand health care access for underserved people in Spokane County. John asked Progressive Majority for support after hearing of the work we did in 2006 on behalf of his future seat-mates, Sen. Chris Marr and Rep. Don Barlow. John's opponent, conservative incumbent John Ahern, is the sole Republican representing the 6th LD in the legislature. Ahern is extremely conservative, even asking during a committee hearing on domestic partnership legislation if 'we have a Gestapo situation' to prevent people from entering into domestic partnerships with their dogs. John is racking up the local and allied support necessary to win this race, including key endorsements from the Washington State Labor Council and Sen. Lisa Brown.

Click here to support and learn more about John.

Marko Liias

Marko Liias ran his first election to his appointed seat in the House of Representatives, 21st Legislative District. Marko was raised in Everett. He studied international politics at Georgetown University, and is currently seeking a graduate degree at the University of Washington. For four years, Marko operated as a small green builder, constructing homes in South Snohomish County. His business experience and commitment to building a better community were what propelled him into public service. We met Marko at Camp Wellstone in 2005, and successfully fielded him in a race for the Mukilteo City Council.

After helping elect Rep. Brian Sullivan to the Snohomish County Council in 2007, we watched as Marko recruited Democratic Party activists in a successful bid to secure his appointment to Sullivan's open seat in the suburban, progressive-leaning 21st Legislative District. Marko is one of six openly gay legislators in the State Legislature, and he is also the state's youngest legislator. In his first term in the legislature, he delivered real results to protect consumers, improved Washington state's K-12 education system, and expanded affordable housing. Marko is a champion for Washington families, and he is a leader in fighting for equal treatment for every citizen of our state.

Click here to support and learn more about Marko.

Larry Seaquist

A US Navy warship captain and Pentagon strategist, Larry launched a second career helping citizens and political leaders strengthen their communities by pioneering new methods of peace-building and conflict prevention in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and Latin America. For the past several years Larry has also worked as a writer and lecturer, contributing opinion pieces to the Christian Science Monitor and other newspapers. We helped Larry win his 2006 race for the Washington State House, 26th Legislative District, and this year he was one of the Republicans' top targets. In his first term in the state legislature, Larry introduced numerous pieces of progressive legislation, several of which encourage development of a renewable energy industry and increased access to health care.

Click here to support and learn more about Larry.

Tina Orwall

While at Take Back America this spring, we got word that long-time Democratic incumbent Rep. Shay Schual-Berke was retiring from the Legislature, and we immediately got in touch with farm team member Tina Orwall. Tina is a career social worker, affordable housing advocate, and Chair of the 33rd District Democrats who has proven to be a tremendous campaigner in her first run for public office. Even with a strong primary opponent, Tina secured endorsements from numerous elected officials, the Washington Education Association, Washington State Labor Council, Washington Conservation Voters, and earned the nomination of the 33rd District Democrats. As co-chair of the King County Legislative Action Committee, Tina has spent time in Olympia advocating for progressive legislation such as improved access to health care, increased pay for teachers, and the Washington climate action bill. As a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, Tina will be a progressive policy leader.

Click here to support and learn more about Tina.

Jim Jacks

We met Jim Jacks at the Young Democrats Convention earlier this year, and recognized him as Progressive Majority material and put him into the farm team. Jim, 38, is the former SW Washington liaison for Gov. Gregoire, and was elected to replace retiring moderate Rep. Bill Fromhold in the 49th Legislative District in Vancouver. In addition to working for the Governor, Jim has served as a citizen advocate for the City of Vancouver and as a staff member of the Environmental Federation of Oregon and the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable. Jim was a first-time candidate, and he has been thankful for the fundraising and field advice we shared with him. This was an excellent opportunity to support a young candidate in SW Washington, the fastest growing suburban region of the state. Jim will be a progressive leader in the legislature, particularly in protecting the environment and advocating for smart growth.

Click here to support and learn more about Jim.

Charlotte Garrido

Kitsap County Commission District #2 is a targeted race for Progressive Majority. In 2007, we met with Charlotte Garrido, a former Kitsap County Commissioner, to gauge her interest and viability. Charlotte has been incredibly active in her community, as a former elected official, volunteer with Kitsap Sustainable Energy and Economic Development, YWCA domestic violence program director, and most recently as the Higher Education Planner for Washington State University. In that role, Charlotte was instrumental in bringing Kitsap County its first 4-year university. Charlotte's deep community ties and past electoral success led us to encourage her candidacy. We provided Charlotte with media training, issue research, voter targeting, and fundraising support.

Click here to support and learn more about Charlotte.

Sandra Romero

Sandra Romero was elected to an open seat on the Thurston County Commission. Sandra spent 12 years in the Washington State Legislature representing the area around Washington's capital city, Olympia. There, she was a leader on progressive issues like reproductive choice, healthcare and the environment. In the Legislature, she chaired the House Local Government and State Government Committees. Before her election to the State House, she served as a Democratic Caucus staffer and was a member of the Washington Federation of State Employees, Local 443. Most recently, Sandra worked in Pakistan teaching democratic methods of government. When a seat became open on the Thurston County Commission, Sandra called Progressive Majority. Thurston County is experiencing environmental growing pains as its population rapidly expands and, as a County Commissioner, Sandra will be dedicated to smart growth policies that will protect the region's diverse natural ecosystems.

Click here to support and learn more about Sandra.

Jim Holperin

Jim Holperin was elected to an open seat in rural northeastern Wisconsin. The unexpected Democratic retirement this year left this an open seat. Jim represented an Assembly district within this Senate district for 12 years from 1983 - 1994. He spent four years as the Secretary of the Department of Tourism and currently is employed as the business services director for the Workforce Development Board of North Central Wisconsin. Jim kept this seat in Democratic hands and kept a progressive majority in the Senate.

Click here to support and learn more about Jim.

Robert Wirch

State Senator Robert Wirch has served three terms in the Senate, representing District 22, which includes Kenosha and the surrounding communities. Earlier in his career, he served two terms as a state Representative. Prior to his election Bob was a factory worker and union steelworker and served on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors. Bob has been a top advocate for working families during his time in the legislature. He authored legislation to prevent companies that receive state contracts from sending Wisconsin jobs overseas and had a 100% voting record with the AFL-CIO last session. This November he will faced Benjamin Bakke, a financial advisor whose solution to the health care crisis is expanding Health Savings Accounts and who was opposed to comprehensive health care reform.

Click here to support and learn more about Robert.

Dave Hansen

State Senator Dave Hansen has served two terms in the legislature, representing District 30, which includes Green Bay and surrounding communities. Prior to his election, Dave worked for Green Bay's Department of Public Works as a truck driver and was a Teamsters union steward. He also served on the Brown County Board from 1996-2002. Dave authored the pay equity legislation that requires businesses to pay women the same as men for the same work and led the fight to protect our natural resources by voting to reduce mercury pollution, preserve our wetlands, and prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes to other states. This November he faced former Green Bay City Council President Chad Fradette. In his announcement speech, Fradette pledged to fight the 'Madison liberal values that I believe are destroying our state.'

Click here to support and learn more about Dave.

Ted Zigmunt

Ted Zigmunt was elected to the State Assembly. He challenged seven-term ultra-conservative incumbent Frank Lasee in rural Manitowoc and Brown counties. The incumbent has gained national attention for outlandish proposals such as permitting teachers to carry handguns in schools and cutting all state funding to UW Law School because lawyers are a ''plague of locusts.'' But the real reason the incumbent was vulnerable is because voters in his district are struggling to make ends meet and he has only exasperated the problem with his votes in favor of big business over workers and big oil over consumers. Ted's lead issue is economic justice; he is committed to putting working families first. He is a Manitowoc County Board Supervisor and President of the Village of Francis Creek.

Click here to support and learn more about Ted.

Pedro Colon

State Representative Pedro Colon is one of only two Assembly Democrats serving on the powerful Joint Finance Committee and he has represented Milwaukee's south side in Assembly District 8 since 1998. A native of Puerto Rico, Pedro is the first and only Latino state legislator in Wisconsin. This September he defeated two Democratic opponents in a primary election. Pedro has been a progressive champion in the Assembly, particularly in the areas of economic justice and civil rights.

Click here to support and learn more about Pedro.

Sandy Pasch

Sandy Pasch is running in an open seat vacated by Democrat Sheldon Wasserman, who is running for the State Senate to challenge conservative Alberta Darling. The 22nd is a seat that Democrats must protect. Sandy Pasch entered the race early and has been campaigning aggressively. Sandy has attended Camp Wellstone and secured the endorsement of the Inspector of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, the Milwaukee District Attorney, and many prominent progressive activists. Sandy is a registered nurse and 21-year resident of the 22nd district. She is married and has rasied three grown children. As a second job, Sandy teaches ethics, mental health, and community nursing at Columbia School of Nursing. She also serves on numerous community boards and works with the Milwaukee Police Department conducting training on how to effectively deal with people living with mental illness.

Click here to support and learn more about Sandy.

Ann Hraychuck

State Representative Ann Hraychuck was first elected to represent District 28 in northwestern Wisconsin along the Minnesota border in the state Assembly in 2006, defeating a four-term incumbent. Prior to her election, she served in law enforcement for 32 years, including as Polk County Sheriff, and at the time was one of only two female sheriffs in the state. In 1991, she was the recipient of a Medal of Valor for rendering aid to a fellow officer who had been shot. In 2006, we worked closely with Ann on her message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. During her first term in office Ann has worked to preserve our natural resources and has authored legislation to allow small business owners and their employees to be covered under the state health insurance plan.

Click here to support and learn more about Ann.

Andy Jorgensen

State Representative Andy Jorgensen was elected to the State Assembly, District 37 in 2006, winning an open seat held for seven terms by a Republican. Prior to his election, Andy was a UAW member and steward working on the assembly line at the General Motors plant. He also had a successful radio career as WFAW's popular morning radio personality, 'Andy Arbuckle'. He has been a Cub Scout den leader, a Sunday school teacher at his family's church, and a classroom aide at his children's school. In 2006, we worked closely with Andy, endorsing him in the primary and providing assistance on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. As State Representative, Andy has been a tireless advocate for farm families and also authored consumer protection legislation that would require payday lenders to disclose the total amount of fees and interest rates associated with their loans.

Click here to support and learn more about Andy.

Kim Hixson

State Representative Kim Hixson was elected to the State Assembly, 43rd District, defeating a two term incumbent. Prior to his election, he was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (an AFT member) and had a long history of community involvement including serving on the Whitewater Common Council for four years and as its President from 2005 to 2006, coaching youth basketball and soccer, and serving as a Boy Scout Pack Master. In 2006, we worked closely with Kim on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. As State Representative Kim has worked with members of both parties to save Wisconsin's prescription drug program for senior citizens and has fought to bring more jobs to his district. The former State Representative whom he defeated in 2006, Debi Towns, ran again for the seat this November.

Click here to support and learn more about Kim.

Phil Garthwaite

State Representative Phil Garthwaite was first elected to represent District 49 in the State Assembly in 2006, defeating a three-term incumbent. Phil was the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1913. He was the fifth generation to be raised on the family farm, and prior to his election he was a farm radio director and broadcaster for local radio stations. In 2006, we worked closely with Phil on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. During his first term in office Phil fought for the rights of workers over big corporations and authored legislation to ensure that employees could collect unpaid wages when their company goes bankrupt before banks and credit companies can collect money owed to them.

Click here to support and learn more about Phil.

Steve Hilgenberg

State Representative Steve Hilgenberg was elected to represent District 51 in the State Assembly in 2006, defeating an eight-term Republican incumbent. The U.S. Army veteran and former small business owner had a long history of community involvement prior to his election to the Assembly. He served on the Dodgeville School Board for seven years and was a community representative to the Head Start Policy Council for three years. He was also a volunteer coach for the Dodgeville High School softball team for 10 years and a basketball referee for more than 20 years. During his first term in office, Steve has worked to address the health care crisis in Wisconsin and authored the Veterans Interim Health Care Bill, which would create a health care insurance program for veterans who do not qualify for any state or federal VA programs and who do not have access to employer-based insurance.

Click here to support and learn more about Steve.

Gordon Hintz

With Progressive Majority's help, State Rep. Gordon Hintz was first elected to the Assembly in 2006. He was the first Democrat elected to this seat in 24 years. Since his election, Gordon has been a lead advocate for higher education funding and campaign finance reform. Gordon was one of only nine legislators given the highest distinction, ''Democracy Defender'' by the non-partisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign for his work in promoting clean and open government.

Click here to support and learn more about Gordon.

Nick Milroy

Superior City Councilor Nick Milroy was elected to an open seat being vacated by 11-term Democrat Frank Boyle in Assembly District 73. The outgoing incumbent and Nick approached Progressive Majority for support and advice soon after filing papers. Nick is a 34 year-old fisheries biologist who was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal and a Letter of Commendation for his service in the Navy. Nick serves as an international representative to the Lake Superior Binational Forum, a partnership of government, industry, universities, native organizations, and environmental groups from both Canada and the U.S. dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Lake Superior Basin. Nick faced two opponents in the Democratic primary in September and then an Independent in the general election. Progressive Majority was in contact with Nick's campaign regularly, receiving updates on benchmarks and providing strategic advice.

Click here to support and learn more about Nick.

Jim Soletski

State Representative Jim Soletski was elected to the State Assembly, District 88 in 2006, defeating a three-term incumbent. Jim was born and raised in the Green Bay area and worked in the electrical power industry for more than 33 years before running for office. He is also active with JOSHUA, a faith-based social justice group. In 2006, we worked closely with Jim, endorsing him in the primary, and providing assistance on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. This November he faced Tony Theisen, a long-time Green Bay City Alderman and Brown County Supervisor. During his first term in office, Jim worked to expand access to higher education and authored legislation to extend tuition remission for children of fallen firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical staff and correctional officers.

Click here to support and learn more about Jim.

Chris Danou

Chris Danouwas elected to the State Assembly in an open seat recently vacated by a thirteen-term incumbent Democrat. Chris won a six-way partisan primary and faced a well funded conservative opponent. Chris is a police officer in the City of Onalaska and is President of the Onalaska Professional Police Association and member of the County Emergency Response Team (SWAT). In addition to his law enforcement training, Chris has dual Masters Degrees in International Affairs and Wildlife Biology. One of his core issues is the American Jobs Act - giving state contract preference to companies that don't send jobs overseas.

Click here to support and learn more about Chris.

Mark Radcliffe

Mark Radcliffe was elected to the State Assembly in an open seat recently vacated by an 11-term incumbent Republican. Mark is a life-long resident of Black River Falls and a first time candidate. Mark is a lawyer in private practice and has worked to provide free legal service for local organizations, such as the shelter for battered women and the Boys and Girls Club. One of Mark's core issues is equal pay for equal work. Mark faced a tough battle against a well-funded conservative who is a former Juneau District Attorney.

Click here to support and learn more about Mark.

Jeff Smith

With the help of Progressive Majority, State Rep. Jeff Smith was first elected in 2006, when he defeated a six-term incumbent. A small business owner, Jeff runs the oldest locally owned family business in Eau Claire, Bob Smith Window Cleaning. He has served as chair of the town of Brunswick for the last six years. Jeff also founded the Eau Claire Area School District's parent advisory committee, Parents Advocating on Behalf of Children. In 2006 we worked closely with Jeff on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. During his first term in office Jeff authored a bill to close corporate tax loop holes and invest that money in a renewable energy grant and loan program and technical college student grants.

Click here to support and learn more about Jeff.

Adam Warpinksi

Adam has been a member of our farm team since late 2005, and was first successfully fielded by Progressive Majority to the Brown County Board in 2006. At 25 years old, Adam is currently the youngest member of the board. He is an organizer for the League of Conservation Voters, a partner organization and member of our Advisory Council. Adam is a great champion for progressive values.

Click here to support and learn more about Adam.

Jack Krueger

Jack is a retired AFSCME member who has been a leader on the Brown County Board, especially in the area of protecting workers and fair labor practices. After the 2006 election, Jack was one vote shy of becoming the Brown County Board Chairman, and has since worked tirelessly to recruit and help elect progressive candidates. Our work in 2008 has been tied closely to working with Jack and other progressive partners in Brown County. Four years ago, there was much doubt that progressives could make inroads into this historically conservative part of the state. Jack has been instrumental in helping shift that perception.

Click here to support and learn more about Jack.

Carole Andrews

Carole Andrews has an extensive policy background and has worked on Democratic campaigns in Green Bay and Brown County for several election cycles. We know she will make a great addition to the Board.

Click here to support and learn more about Carole.

Rob Zerban

Rob Zerban was elected a Kenosha County Supervisor in April of 2008. Rob is an enterpreneur who has started several food service companies in Illinois. He was recruited by our Kenosha County Task Force in July 2007 to run for this seat.

Click here to support and learn more about Rob.

Jennifer Jackson

When Jennifer Jackson was elected to the Kenosha County Board, she was the most outspoken progressive, and the lone progressive woman. In 2008, she led our recruitment task force and worked with us to recruit new candidates to Kenosha local elected positions. Jenn is a stay-at-home mom and a leader in the environmental community.

Click here to support and learn more about Jennifer.

Bill Brockmiller

Bill Brockmiller was a first-time candidate when he won his seat on the La Crosse County Board in 2008. Bill is active in his union as a Labor Market Analyst for AFSCME and a member of the bargaining unit.

Click here to support and learn more about Bill.

Beverly Mach

Beverly Mach was recruited to run for the La Crosse County Board by our regional task force in Spring of 2008, and she emerged victorious. Beverly has lived in her district for more than 39 years and has strong ties to the community. Prior to her retirement, Beverly was a career advisor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Click here to support and learn more about Beverly.

Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson was recruited to the Progressive Majority Farm Team in the fall of 2007. She is currently serving her fifth term on the La Crosse County Board. Tara is the former executive director of United Way and currently a stay-at-home mom. On the La Crosse County Board, she is the chair of Health and Human Services Committee and Second Vice-Chair of the board. Tara is well respected and admired for her ability to fight for progressive values while building consensus among her peers.

Click here to support and learn more about Tara.

Marina Dimitrijevic

Marina was first elected in 2004 as the youngest-ever person (then 22) elected to the Milwaukee County Board. In her first two terms as Supervisor, she held over 50 town hall meetings, served on more than 30 community organizations and worked to promote progressive legislation including a GreenPrint Plan that she authored and passed in 2007. Marina is a rising star in Milwaukee politics and is committed to building a movement of young progressives.

Click here to support and learn more about Marina.

Chris Larson

Chris Larson was recruited by Progressive Majority to run for a then-open seat on the Milwaukee County Board in 2008. He is committed to protecting the county parks and fixing the public transit system and will be an important voice on the Milwaukee County Board.

Click here to support and learn more about Chris.

Diane Lange

Diane Lange is active in the Racine women's progressive movement, is an SEIU member working as a public nurse and a vocal challenger to conservative mismanagement in her county government. Diane is an active community member, serving on the Board of Directors for Youth Connections, a member of the Hispanic Roundtable, and State Board Member for her SEIU Local.

Click here to support and learn more about Diane.

Ken Hall

Ken Hall has been a member of our farm team since 2005 and was first elected to the Racine County Board in 2006. Since then, he has been working to recruit and train other progressive candidates for various local offices in his community. Ken and his wife, Debra, are building a progressive movement in Racine; Debra chairs the newly formed Racine Progressive Women's Network, a group of 200 women working for political accountability and positive change in southeastern Wisconsin. Ken has a history of community service and activism and has been strongly supported by labor.

Click here to support and learn more about Ken.

Katie Kuznacic

Katie Kuznacic is an elected member of the Rock County Board. She works as a legislative assistant to progressive Assembly Representative Michael Sheridan and specializes in constituent relationships. Katie is supported by United Auto Workers and the local Labor Council.

Click here to support and learn more about Katie.

Celestine Jeffreys

Celestine is currently one of Wisconsin's rising political stars. She was elected to the Green Bay City Council and is currently the only woman and only person of color on the council. Progressive Majority recruited her in 2006, when she successfully won her first election. In her first term as Councilwoman, Celestine stood for the separation of church and state against a controversial ordinance that allowed a nativity scene to be placed a top City Hall. We need more progressive champions like Celestine in Green Bay and all across Wisconsin.

Click here to support and learn more about Celestine.

Michael Orth

Michael is a lifelong Kenosha resident whose election to the Kenosha City Council was his first race. Michael and his wife have two small children and are active members of the community. Both he and his wife are teachers in the Kenosha public schools - Michael teaches history and is very active in the local teachers' union, as well as Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the Wisconsin chapter of the NEA. Michael is a great elected official and we see him as a rising star in the progressive movement.

Click here to support and learn more about Michael.

Anthony Kennedy

We first met Anthony Kennedy in January 2007, and convinced him to run for local office. As a community member, Anthony has been involved with the NAACP, the local Democratic Party, and is a former AFSCME member and campaign manager for other local candidates. In 2008, Anthony successfully won a seat on the Kenosha City Council.

Click here to support and learn more about Anthony.

Gilbert Ostman

Gilbert Ostman is a member of the Kenosha School Board. He has been a leader and teacher in the Kenosha School District for more than 30 years. He retired from teaching social studies and driver's education in 1999. In addition to his many hours in the classroom, Gilbert has worked in the community. He has coached soccer, served on the Mayor's Youth Commission, helped found the Youth Memorial in one of Kenosha's parks, and is a lifetime member of the NEA and KEA (Kenosha Education Association). His knowledge and experience with issues important to both educators and students makes him a critical member of the school board.

Click here to support and learn more about Gilbert.

Pamala Handrow

Pam Handrow was a founding member of the Racine Women's Progressive Network and has been an agent of change in Racine County for years. Currently Pam teaches adult education and labor law. Pam started her professional career as a social worker, which later prompted her to attend law school. She also has a master's degree in library science. Pam has assisted countless children and families in attaining important social services and has worked as a mediator. Her education and her life experience instilled in her a deep dedication to improving the lives of children.

Click here to support and learn more about Pamala.

Melvin Hargrove

Melvin Hargrove was first appointed to serve on the Racine School Board in December 2007, and won his first election to the post in 2008. A lifelong resident of Racine and founding pastor of Zoe Outreach Ministries, Melvin sees first-hand how education is critical to the Racine community. Melvin plans to improve area schools by working with state legislators to address Wisconsin's school funding crisis. Melvin is the only African American serving on the Racine School Board.

Click here to support and learn more about Melvin.

Dennis Wiser

Dennis Wiser is a retired math teacher from Case High School, where he spent over 30 years in the classroom and working for the teachers' union. We recruited Dennis to run through our network of women in the Racine Women's Progressive Network, and he won election to the School Board in April, 2008.

Click here to support and learn more about Dennis.