Washington, D.C. – Council for a Livable World's PeacePAC today announced new endorsements of four candidates running for election to the House of Representatives in 2008.
The endorsed candidates are:
Darcy Burner is a former Microsoft executive who ran against Rep. Dave Reichert in 2006 and received 49% of the vote. Burner received a PeacePAC endorsement in that race. She has made her opposition to President Bush's failed policies in Iraq a centerpiece of her campaign.
"Darcy Burner is building on the momentum of her 2006 campaign. She will be an excellent Congresswoman and a strong voice against the Iraq war," said PeacePAC chairwoman Patricia Schroeder. Schroeder represented Colorado's 1st Congressional District in Congress for 24 years. She was the first woman to serve on the House Armed Services Committee.
Rep. Wayne Gilchrest is a moderate Republican who has defied party orthodoxy and called for the phased withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Gilchrest is now facing a host of challengers in the Republican primary, which is to be held on February 12, 2008.
"Wayne Gilchrest has taken a courageous stand to bring our brave soldiers in Iraq home safely," said Guy Stevens, PeacePAC Director. "We need more independent voices like his in Congress."
Mary Jo Kilroy is making her second run for Congress in Ohio's 15th Congressional District. Kilroy fell just 1,100 votes short of defeating Rep. Deborah Pryce in 2006. Kilroy received a PeacePAC endorsement in that race because of her strong progressive positions on national security issues. Pryce is set to retire at the end of her current term, and Kilroy is now set to dominate this open seat race.
"We believe the second time will be the charm for Mary Jo Kilroy. She will bring pragmatism and sensibility back to U.S. national security policy," said Schroeder
Jon Powers was decorated as a Captain in the U.S. Army serving in Iraq. Upon his return from Iraq, Powers went on to found War Kids Relief, a non-profit organization that provides Iraqi children with the resources and education needed to avoid recruitment by radical terrorist organizations.
Stevens remarked: "Powers' experience serving in the Army and founding War Kids Relief shows that he understands that the military is only one tool in America's national security toolbox."
PeacePAC is the electoral arm of Council for a Livable World in the House of Representatives. For over 30 years, PeacePAC has identified the most competitive candidates throughout the country who will be strong advocates of peace and arms control. In the 2006 election cycle, its supporters contributed $600,000 to progressive House candidates.
