Jamie Wins Early Endorsement
in the 2006 Maryland State
Senate Race in District 20

21st Century Democrats Hail “Visionary”
Leadership and “Innovative Ideas”

Yesterday Jamie won an early and important organizational endorsement in the Maryland State Senate race for District 20, capturing one of only 15 highly coveted endorsements from 21st Century Democrats, a thriving national political committee that focuses on investing resources in “extraordinary, visionary leadership” at the state level. Founded by Senator Tom Harkin, commentator Jim Hightower and Congressman Lane Evans, the group has thrown its early support in the past to bold political candidates like now-United States Senator Barack Obama.

The group gave Jamie a resounding endorsement that is sure to attract national attention. “21st Century Democrats is proud to endorse Jamie Raskin as one of only 15 extraordinary, visionary candidates nationwide we are endorsing in 2006,” said 21st Century Democrats Executive Director Kelly Young. “Jamie Raskin’s bold approach to solving problems is refreshing and inspiring. He has been a leader in expanding the right to organize, protecting civil liberties, and championing voters’ rights. Raskin works outside the political constraints accepted by others to develop and implement new, innovative ideas to improving the quality of life of Americans.”

Jamie was thrilled to accept the endorsement. “Our campaign is about taking back government from right-wingers at the state level to make it work again for all Marylanders. We are delighted that the campaign is now collecting endorsements and contributions from all across the country. There is a hunger for unafraid progressive leadership to revitalize our party, and I am honored to be one of 21st Century Democrats’ choices in this election.”

21st Century Democrats is a group that “seeks out, trains, and supports extraordinary visionary leaders who will be courageous risk takers standing for the greatness of this country. Our candidates stand up for what they believe and put forward new bold ideas like Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and others who were willing to risk everything to achieve equality, fairness, justice, and opportunity for all Americans. Our passion for inspiring people and reaching beyond ideology has produced results. 21st Century Democrats has grown to be the 13th largest political committee in the United States and has elected over 140 candidates to office in the last 7 years.”