Dr. Bob Bowman is the latest profiled candidate in
America In Solidarity "Our October Surprise" which features candidates that have signed a pledge to support working families. Bob has pledged to serve the needs of his constituents and the American people, not the lobbyists or big money interests, nor even the party's leadership. Fiercely independent, Dr. Bob is part of a national campaign to Take Back America by electing a Citizens' Congress pledged to serve the people. His main issues are (1) End the Iraq War. He supports the call of Congressman Jack Murtha and the U.S. Roman Catholic Bishops for a rapid, responsible withdrawal. (2) Provide Health Care for all. Dr. Bob wants to get the insurance companies out of health care and have a doctor-run Single-Payer National Health Program. (3) Assure financial security for American families. Quit exporting jobs and provide good jobs at a living wage for all Americans.
Three years ago some co-workers and I started an initiative called America In Solidarity to be a voice for working families. Our idea was that few can afford those $10,000-a-plate fundraisers (where politicians on both sides of the aisle are easily influenced), but everyone can find five hours to volunteer on a campaign. We are not a PAC and don't endorse candidates. Our philosophy is politics need to change, we have to reduce the money involved.
In 2004, we organized almost 500 volunteers and started to make an impact on politics in Washington state. Since then, we have become community leaders organizing events and forums, lobbying our local, state and federal leaders and given away almost $7,000 in college scholarships.
Thanks to the internet and word of mouth, our organization is spreading. Just yesterday, new volunteers from Florida to Louisiana to Illinois signed up on our website to be volunteers. We've had great progressive leaders like Dennis Kucinich (who spoke at our kickoff) to up-and-cmoing leaders like Darcy Burner (in one of Congress' hottest races) sign our pledge to support working families.
So I am asking the Kos community for a little help. I'd love if you also signed up to be a volunteer or gave $31 on our site, but I need you to point out some candidates in your area who should sign our pledge. Odds are I have volunteers in your state (and maybe your town), but while we have lots of candidates in Washington state, we lack any in many states. Take a moment and visit our site, recommend us to a candidate or give me a heads up on who stands for affordable health care, protecting workers and standing up to corporate greed.