Washington, D.C. – Council for a Livable World's PeacePAC today announced its endorsement of Jon Powers, a 29 year-old decorated veteran of the Iraq war who is running to represent New York's 26th District in the United States House of Representatives. Powers is running against Republican incumbent Tom Reynolds.
"Jon Powers will be a leader in Congress for sensible and clear sighted national security policies that help repair America's damaged reputation abroad," 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.
Upon his retirement from the military, Powers went on the 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. War Kids Relief has been highlighted in national news broadcasts by NBC News.
Guy Stevens, PeacePAC Director, remarked: "Powers's 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. Economic, diplomatic, and cultural initiatives are also vitally important, a point Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has reiterated recently."
Incumbent Republican Tom Reynolds is considered a vulnerable target, especially with Democrats sporting a high-caliber candidate like Powers. A freak October 2006 snowstorm provided Reynolds an opportunity to secure federal aid for his district, a fortunate event that is widely credited with allowing him to squeak out a narrow 52 to 48 percent win over 2006 Democratic challenger Jack Davis.
Powers raised $230,000 through September 30, and recent reports indicate that Powers's fundraising operations are picking up even more momentum.
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.
