There isn't much left to announce for our agenda in Austin, but we've at last been able to finalize this, and it's big. Because when you think about Netroots victories, and "more and better Democrats," they get no better than this:
An integral part of the our movement's growth and sustainability is encouraging activists to take the next step and run for office. We at Netroots Nation aim to recognize Netroots candidates at all levels and shine a spotlight on those who organize and mobilize progressives locally.
So we welcome one of the Netroots' very own success stories, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, who will join us in Austin for a Saturday evening keynote.
With strong Netroots support, the lawyer and longtime community activist defeated 15-year incumbent Albert Wynn in the 2008 Democratic primary, and, following his resignation, won a special election to fill the remainder of his term.
As the first African-American woman to represent Maryland in Congress, she's led the way in pushing progressive values on key issues like net neutrality and the Iraq war, condemning it before it even started. So we're especially proud to recognize her tenacity and leadership during the past year.
And she's equally happy to talk with you -- the Netroots community that was so instrumental in helping to spread her message of change.
Oh, can I add telecom immunity to the list of issues on which Donna Edwards is awesome?
Registration will be closing soon. So if you want to see Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean, Paul Krugman, Harold Ford, Van Jones, Larry Lessig, Digby, John Dean, Richard Clarke, Darcy Burner, Mark Begich, Rick Noriega, Dahlia Lithwick, Ashwin Madia and Donna Edwards, and so many more ... if you want the opportunity to listen to these leaders and thinkers and have them listen to you, then you need to be in Austin next week. It will be an unforgettable four days.
Register now, and join us at Netroots Nation 2008.