WASHINGTON -- March 29 -- Tomorrow, Senator Jefferson Smith and Ted Nonini, a Republican firefighter who twice voted for George W. Bush, team up together in People For the American Way Foundation’s (PFAWF) multimillion-dollar ad campaign to preserve the Senate filibuster.

Sounding the theme that “America works best when no one party holds absolute power,” the TV, print and online campaign is the brainchild of legendary TV producer Norman Lear, founder and co-chairman of People For the American Way Foundation. Mr. Lear worked closely with Joe Lockhart and Carter Eskew of the Glover Park Group to produce the ad.

Radical Right Senators Bill Frist, Trent Lott and Orrin Hatch are threatening to pull the trigger on the “nuclear option” soon, perhaps as early as the first week of April. The nuclear option, by eliminating the judicial filibuster, would obliterate more than 200 years of Senate rules, precedent and history. It would remove the last check and balance left in the legislative branch of government.

The PFAWF ad appeals to “common-sense” Republicans and encourages bipartisan cooperation and consultation on judicial nominees. The campaign will be conducted in 18 states with Republican Senators.

Save the Filibuster Press Conference

WHO:

Norman Lear (via satellite), founder and co-chairman of People For the American Way Foundation

Ralph G. Neas, President and CEO, People For the American Way Foundation

Ted Nonini, Firefighter

Senator Jefferson Smith (“Republican – Retired”)

WHEN & WHERE:

Wednesday, March 30 Zenger Room

10:00 a.m. National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW

Washington, DC

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