Democracy for America: VOTE: DNC Chair endorsement

The Democratic Party needs to change.

We've known that for a few years now, but the disaster of 2016 has removed any lingering doubts. From the huge losses down-ballot since 2010, to the handling of the presidential primary, the Democratic Party is in desperate need of a new strategy. 

The next Democratic National Committee Chair will be the most important figure in setting and executing a new direction for the Democratic Party. He or she will be a key leader in resisting Donald Trump and taking state and federal offices back from Trump's Republican Party. 

The Chair will need to make the Democratic Party relevant to younger, diverse generations of voters who believe in a reflective democracy, must have a seat at the table, and are the key to the party's future.

Here are the candidates who have publicly declared:

• New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley
• Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Rep. Keith Ellison
• South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jamie Harrison

Howard Dean, who founded Democracy for America before serving as DNC Chair from 2005-2009, had announced his intent to run -- but last week dropped out of the race.

With all the expected candidates having publicly announced and the election less than two months away, it's time for DFA to weigh in with a choice. But it's not up to me -- as a people-powered organization, it's up to you to decide who Democracy for America should endorse.

Vote now in Democracy for America's official endorsement poll: Who should DFA endorse to be the next DNC Chair -- and what should the new Chair prioritize? DEADLINE TO VOTE: Monday, December 11, 11:59pm ET.

This campaign will define the future of the Democratic Party -- and how we take our country back from Donald Trump by defeating his hateful, greedy agenda. This is an important decision, and we need your input right now.

Thank you for your leadership at this critical time for our country. 

- Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Executive Director
Democracy for America

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AFL-CIO Endorses Keith Ellison to Lead DNC

December 8, 2016

The Executive Council of the 12.5 million member AFL-CIO has voted overwhelmingly to endorse Representative Keith Ellison to lead the Democratic National Committee. Over the last few weeks, several candidates have sought the endorsement of the AFL-CIO and met personally with members of the Political Committee, which ultimately recommended the endorsement.

“Representative Ellison meets the high standard working people expect from leaders of our political parties,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “He is a proven leader who will focus on year-round grassroots organizing to deliver for working families across America. Under his leadership, the Democratic Party will embody the values that our members stand for every day.”

"The AFL-CIO knows the challenges facing America’s working families and how to speak to working Americans of all colors, genders, and backgrounds,” said Ellison. “I am proud to be on their side and I am even prouder that the AFL-CIO is on mine. Workers will be central to the Democratic Party.”

Many unions of the AFL-CIO have leaders as well as rank-and-file members on the DNC. However, the AFL-CIO does not have a direct affiliation with any political party and membership includes those across the political spectrum. The endorsement of DNC Chair is a reflection of the values of AFL-CIO members and the vote among their representatives.

Contact: Josh Goldstein (202) 637-5018

http://www.aflcio.org/Press-Room/Press-Releases/AFL-CIO-Endorses-Keith-Ellison-to-Lead-DNC