 |
|
|
| Endorsed Candidates |
 |
|
|
|
| |
Jack Markell for Governor
The Young Democrats Movement (YDM) is pleased to announce their endorsement of State Treasurer Jack Markell for Governor of Delaware
State Treasurer Markell received the overwhelming endorsement of the YDM after the group heard from both candidates and reviewed their positions, specifically on education.
The YDM believes that Jack Markell is the candidate that offers progressive ideas, experience, and the promise of change. As State Treasurer, Jack Markell has not been a passive supporter of reform, but rather has led the way in many reforms. He led the reform of state agencies’ health care through his HealthRewards Program. He has saved the taxpayers of Delaware an estimated $30,000,000 through his streamlining of government spending. He has championed the Earned Income Tax Credit in Delaware, saving 13,000 low income Delawareans millions in tax returns. He was the first and most vocal statewide elected official to support wind energy. He was one of the most vocal supporters of legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, insurance, and employment. His record of change is unmatched by any candidate for Governor.
As a candidate for Governor, Jack Markell has offered detailed proposals as to how we can improve Delaware.
On the issue of education, Jack Markell offers real change, not cosmetic shifts in bureaucracy at the top, which while possibly helpful in certain aspects, won’t do much to improve our crumbling schools, inadequate supplies, and, most importantly, the achievement gap of our students, who have one of the highest high school drop out rates in the nation. Jack Markell understands that we need to look at new ways of recruiting teachers, testing our students, and funding our schools, both on a state and district level.
We encourage everyone to visit Jack Markell’s website, www.markell.org, and read all of his proposals.
As a youth organization, the YDM has to note the excitement Jack Markell has instilled in young people in this state, more so than any other candidate or elected official from Delaware in recent memory. This energy must be maintained and expanded, and that will only happen with a Governor Markell.
The YDM believes that a change in direction, outlook, and leadership is necessary. If Democrats in the September 9th Primary, and voters in the General Election, truly want change for the better, than the YDM strongly encourages Delawareans, of all ages, to vote for State Treasurer Jack Markell for Governor.
Jack Markell was first elected Delaware’s State Treasurer in 1998, and has been re-elected twice, in 2002 and 2006. After receiving his BA from Brown and his MBA from the University of Chicago, Treasurer Markell went into the private sector, eventually becoming Vice President for Corporate Development at Nextel and Executive Vice President at Comcast Corporation. After defeating the incumbent State Treasurer in 1998, Treasurer Markell went on to create the Delaware Money School and save the taxpayers an estimated $30 Million by cutting government waste.
Matthew P. Denn for Lt. Governor
 Matt Denn was elected as Delaware’s Insurance Commissioner in 2004. Prior to his election to statewide office, Matt served as Governor Minner’s Chief Legal Counsel and in private practice in Wilmington. Since his election, Commissioner Denn has, according to the Wilmington News Journal, “transformed” the office far beyond the role performed by his immediate predecessors. Commissioner Denn lives in Newark with his wife, Michelle, and their twin boys, Zachary and Adam. Mr. Denn is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Karen Hartley-Nagle for Congress
When President Barack Obama is sworn in on January 20, 2009, he will begin to implement the fundamental change America wants and needs. While Democrats now control both chambers and are likely to maintain majorities, the YDM feels that a “Progressive Majority” is still needed. Ms. Hartley-Nagle is the strongest candidate in the Democratic field to build that majority. We believe that if elected Karen Hartley-Nagle will offer a strong progressive voice for Delaware and help lead the effort to pass President Obama’s policies in Congress. If Delawareans truly wants change, next November, when we help to send Barack Obama to the White House, voters should compliment that decision by sending Karen Hartley-Nagle to the House of Representatives.
Gene Reed for Insurance Commissioner:
With the Insurance Commissioner’s office in Democratic hands over the last four years we have seen the office transformed to a surrogate of the people. This election offers us the ability to continue that progress. With the unique experience of working for consumers in that office, the YDM feels that Gene Reed is the best choice to succeed Matt Denn.
Christopher A. Coons for County Executive
Over the last four years, Chris Coons has offered the people of New Castle County responsible and principled leadership. During his tenure as County Executive, Mr. Coons has governed with fiscal responsibility, has expanded the county’s educational and library facilities, and has implemented new safety measures, such as the Safe Streets partnership with the state parole office, all the while restoring trust in county government. Because of these accomplishments and many others, the YDM enthusiastically endorses Chris Coons in his re-election campaign to be New Castle County Executive.
Chris Coons was sworn in as New Castle County's Executive in 2005 after serving one term as County Council President. Prior to his public service career, Chris was employed by W.L. Gore and Associates as their legal counsel. Chris graduated from Amherst College and received a law degree and divinity degree from Yale University. As County Executive, Chris has improved development laws and restored fiscal responsibility to County government.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Mike Katz for 4th Senate District
YDM interviewed the candidates for 4th District, and while impressed by both, found that Dr. Katz had the grasp of the issues and desire for change that is needed in Dover.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
John McKenzie for 8th Senate Distrcit
YDM interviewed the two candidates for the 8th Senate District and found John McKenzie's progressive voice and values greatly needed in the Delaware State Senate. |
|
|
|
