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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Hersh, PDA Communications Director,mike@pdamerica.org,Alan Minksy, PDA Executive Director:,alan@pdamerica.org

Donna Edwards Joins PDA Board

Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) has agreed to join the Advisory Board of Progressive Democrats of America, the organization announced today.

"We are very happy and proud to have Rep. Edwards on our board,"
said PDA national director Tim Carpenter. "We will certainly benefit
from her energy, commitment and intellect."

Here is the text of Rep. Edwards' letter of acceptance:

WASHINGTON

Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) has agreed to join the Advisory Board of Progressive Democrats of America, the organization announced today.

"We are very happy and proud to have Rep. Edwards on our board,"
said PDA national director Tim Carpenter. "We will certainly benefit
from her energy, commitment and intellect."

Here is the text of Rep. Edwards' letter of acceptance:

"A few weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at PDA's 5th birthday
and Medicare's 44th birthday at the same celebration, hosted by my
friend, fellow activist and PDA Board Member Andy Shallal. PDA has
spent five important and productive years battling every day for
progressive policies like Medicare for All, ending the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and pushing for serious solutions to climate change.

"PDA has always emphasized an 'inside/outside strategy,' working
directly with key members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to
strengthen our efforts in encouraging the House Democratic Caucus to
embrace progressive issues and values for the American people. That's
a strategy I advocate, and it's one of the reasons I'm so proud to join
the PDA Advisory Board.

"There's another reason, too--one that goes to the heart of PDA's
electoral work. When I ran my 'long-shot challenger' campaign the
first time, and again when I pulled my upset the second time, PDA stood
up for me. In fact, I consulted with key PDAers before I even started
running, to plan out what became one of the signature victories of our
progressive movement. Not everyone stood up with me, especially the
first time around--but PDA did--another big reason I'm proud to join the
PDA Advisory Board!

"A decade ago, I founded and ran an organization fighting domestic
violence, then led a group pushing for pro-democracy reforms, then
became the director of a progressive foundation, prior to becoming a
Congresswoman. I have met and worked with a lot of activist
organizations during my career. It's why I'm impressed by the PDA
community's tenacity and commitment.

"I look forward to working with you in building our progressive
movement and passing legislation that addresses the crucial issues for
which PDA works so hard.

"Sincerely,
"Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards"

Progressive Democrats of America was founded in 2004 to transform the Democratic Party and U.S. politics by working inside and outside of the party by working to elect empowered progressives and by building the progressive movement in solidarity with with peace, justice, civil rights, environmental, and other reform efforts. For more information about PDA, please see PDAmerica.org.