New director of Democracy for America....press release.

[madfloridian]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 22, 2004

Tom McMahon named Executive Director of Democracy for America

BURLINGTON, VT - Former Dean for America Deputy Campaign Manager Tom McMahon has been named the executive director of Democracy for America, Governor Howard Dean, M.D., announced today.

McMahon, a respected former aide to Al Gore, will oversee day-to-day operations at Democracy for America, which is building on the grassroots success of Dean's presidential campaign, and is committed to strong, sustained grassroots involvement in the democratic process.

"Through more than a decade in politics and his year on my campaign, Tom has demonstrated his commitment to change and to improving representation for ordinary Americans. I'm thrilled to have him aboard as we embark on an exciting new chapter to generate grassroots enthusiasm, change America's political system, and take back the White House, the Senate and the House in November," Governor Dean said. "Tom is the perfect individual to build upon the grassroots strength and unity that will be a major force not just in this election, but for years to come."

"Democracy for America is one of the most exciting exercises in modern American politics, and there's incredible potential to harness the enthusiasm of our supporters across the country to exact change at every level of government," McMahon said. "Democracy for America represents exactly the vehicle of hope that this country needs to enact real change in America and to ensure progressive voices up and down the ticket."

"I'm excited to be here because I've seen the deep support that Governor Dean has nationwide. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with him and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who stood with him and demanded a voice from our Party." McMahon continued.

Prior to working on the campaign as Deputy Campaign Manager, he served in the Clinton/Gore Administration working at the White House for Vice President Gore, the United States Information Agency as White House Liaison and at the Pentagon working for the Secretary of Defense's Public Affairs office. A regional field director in Missouri for Clinton/Gore 1992, he was also involved with the Clinton/Gore campaign of 1996 and the Gore campaign in 2000.

More information on Democracy for America is available at www.democracyforamerica.com.

(should be posted momentarily)

[madfloridian]

1. Did a google image search on him.

I could not place him at all, but now I do. He looks sort of like Tim Robbins. He sounds very interested in this.
http://blogforamerica.com/

Message from Tom McMahon
I would like to begin my introduction to you by first thanking all of you for everything you have accomplished and done on behalf of the Dean campaign and now Democracy for America. Since I began working for Governor Dean 15 months ago, I have continuously been overwhelmed by the generosity, enthusiasm, creativity, and energy that Dean supporters have shown along the way. I still remember meeting Governor Dean in Washington, D.C., when he spoke to a standing room only crowd, on a cold day in February of 2003, of the need for Democrats and the party to be willing to stand up against George Bush. He told us in so many ways why it was important to stand up and be proud to be a Democrat, and what we must all do together to take our country back.

Over the past week I traveled once again with Governor Dean as he spoke to packed auditoriums filled with supporters in Chestertown, MD (approx. 800 people) and New Orleans, LA (approx. 1700 people) where he spoke of the need for a renewed sense of community in America. He spoke about the importance of this election and how voting is not a spectator sport. He pointed out that if any of us want real change – we would have to work hard for it since change isn’t easy. And as I looked out across the crowd I soon realized that the fight for our country has only just begun, how with your help and support Democracy for America can help all democrats get elected to office at the local, state and federal level. I knew that I could not remain on the sidelines when so much is at stake in our country.

So I am now packing up my belongings and heading to VT once again to continue the work we began with the Dean campaign. I began my day by jumping on a great call with some of our constituency group leaders. I believe strongly in having two-way communication with the grassroots in a way we weren’t able to during the campaign, in order to learn how to better support you.

I will conclude by telling you all that it’s great to be joining you and that the only way we will succeed in November is by standing together in taking the fight to the Republicans. We will need your help, so please sign up and join us for that fight. Expect more developments from Democracy for America in the coming weeks, including a new look for our site, as well as additional staff, and improvements in our responsiveness to your inquiries. Together we will build a strong, influential organization that will continue changing American politics.

Tom McMahon
Executive Director, Democracy for America

(BTW..this post is not a Kerry bash post. It is just presenting new facts about this group. Please do not take it that way.)