Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) has endorsed Barack Obama for President.
I am particularly pleased to hear about and report this endorsement because Sen. Conrad is one of my favorite Democrats and I respect him tremendously. Sen. Conrad is about the most progressive Democrat we currently have a from a red state. He has for years done diligent work towards progressive and responsible economic policy as well as championed the working class as the leader of the Democratic side of the Senate Budget Committee.
Furthermore, showing good sense and judgement on foreign policy, Sen. Conrad also voted against the Iraq war resolution.
To follow is the full text of the article on the endorsement posted at Obama campaign's blog by Sam Graham-Felsen (I hope that Sam, who posts diaries here at DK, doesn't mind my quoting his post in full length, but if he does request me to shrink then it down to "fair use" type excerpting, I'd be glad to oblige).
Senator Kent Conrad endorses Obama
By Sam Graham-Felsen - Dec 29th, 2007 at 12:12 pm EST
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) endorsed Barack Obama for President today, citing his ability to unite the nation to get things done.
"I believe that Barack Obama’s ability to end our partisan divisions will unite Democrats, Independents, and Republicans in a coalition for change that can win in November," said Conrad. "Barack Obama is our best hope to break the partisan logjam in Washington, and make real progress on issues like health care, energy, and ending this war in Iraq."
Added Conrad: "I saw Barack Obama bring Democrats and Republicans together to pass the furthest-reaching ethics reform since Watergate so that the voices of working Americans could be heard in Washington. He’s also reached across the aisle to pass a law that would increase government accountability by creating a database that allows taxpayers to see how we’re spending their money. And we have worked together on bipartisan legislation to invest in putting America on the path to energy independence, so we can turn away from the Mid East and turn instead to the Mid West for our energy needs."
"We know Barack Obama is the candidate who will bring change we can believe in because he has done it throughout his two decades in public service," concluded Conrad.
"Senator Conrad fights every day in Congress to preserve our middle class, lift up our rural communities that too often lack resources and influence, and restore fiscal discipline so that our children don’t bear the enormous debt burden that exists today," said Senator Obama. "He is respected on both sides of the aisle for his relentless focus on results, not partisan politics. I’m grateful for Senator Conrad’s support and I know he’ll be a partner in our effort to unite America around a common purpose."
Conrad, who serves as the Chairman of the Budget Committee, has represented North Dakotans in the Senate for 20 years. Conrad is a leader on rural issues – he helped write the 2002 and 2007 Farm Bills, expanded access to health care in rural areas, and has fought for investments in renewable energy programs that would benefit American farmers. Conrad has also been a leader in the fight against unfair trade practices which are costing American jobs.
The Obama campaign has opened an office in Fargo, ND and is building a grassroots network throughout the state that will turn out the caucus vote on February 5th. On Sunday, Senator Conrad will join Obama on the campaign trail in Iowa.
Senator Conrad went to college at Stanford and then received an MBA from George Washington University. Here is an interesting tidbit about his early career:
After graduating college, he became an assistant to the North Dakota tax commissioner, Byron Dorgan, who later became his colleague in the Senate. In 1980, Conrad succeeded Dorgan as tax commissioner. Conrad was state tax commissioner until 1986, when he ran for Senate.
From there, he went on to represent ND as a US Senator since 1986, with a progressively impressive electoral history in a conservative state:
Electoral history
2006 North Dakota United States Senate Election
Kent Conrad (D) (inc.) 68.8%
Dwight Grotberg (R) 29.5%
2000 North Dakota United States Senate Electio
Kent Conrad (D) (inc.) 61%
Duane Sand (R) 38%
1994 North Dakota United States Senate Election
Kent Conrad (D) (inc.) 58%
Ben Clayburgh (R) 42%
1986 North Dakota United States Senate Election
Kent Conrad (D) 49.8%
Mark Andrews (R) (inc.) 49%
All in all, it's a great endorsement! Congratulations to Barack and Team Obama for securing it.
UPDATE : I've made a compilation of Obama's Progressive record here for readers interested in exploring it. Thanks.
UPDATE 2: X-Posted at One Million Strong.