by Julia Rosen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Bill Hedrick for Congress CA 44 [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

When I began my campaign last year to represent California's 44th Congressional District, I was motivated by the many policy failures of the Bush Administration embraced by the incumbent congressman. These included the President's failure to provide a universal health care proposal, an education program designed to undermine our public schools, and trade agreements that have killed good jobs for working families. But personally, for me and my family, the most egregious disappointment has been this Administration's failed policy in Iraq.

Edit by Brian: See the flip.

Like hundreds of thousands of other families with loved ones in the military, we have been keenly interested in this President's course of action. Today my son is serving a second deployment with the Army's 3rd ID east of Baghdad. Another son and daughter-in-law have served in Iraq as well. As a military family, we support our troops 100%; however it is past time to bring all of our sons and daughters home. This mission must be brought to a close.

Our fighting men and women have performed admirably in a tremendously challenging

by Denise [courtesy of Blog for America]

The competition for the DFA Grassroots All-Stars is fierce, but there is still time to cast your vote for our very own Bill Hedrick, who is running for House of Representatives right here in the California 44th Congressional District. Whether you give him one, or all three of your possible votes, vote for Bill Hedrick today:

Vote for Bill now: http://democracyforamerica.com/gras

Bill has a stunning story. Two of his sons and his daughter-in-law have served or are serving tours in Iraq. Bill is running for Congress so that American families like his don't have to continue needlessly suffering the countless sacrifices his family has made in a war that never should have been waged to begin with.

He is running for Congress to bring America's sons and daughters home. Bill is running to engage in the diplomacy that is the only true solution to the regional instability the War on Iraq created. And Bill is running to get America back on track to focus on the things that matter to every day Americans.

True national security that protects Americans, not the profit margins of the war profiteers. An truly strong economy that lifts up the American middle-class and protects small businesses. And a public education system rededicated to the mission of ensuring that every child in America is provided the skills, the knowledge and the shared cultural values that make our democracy great.

by Marci Surpin [courtesy of Blog for America]

It’s been a busy week (but aren’t they all?) for local Democracy for America chapters and the Hedrick campaign. On Tuesday, word came from the west that Democracy for America-Orange County (DFA-OC) endorsed Bill in his quest for the Democratic nomination in the 44th Congressional District. Congratulations to Bill on winning this very important endorsement!  Together with the endorsement of Democracy for Riverside, this means Bill has the support of both DFA groups in the 44th Congressional District. 

 Wednesday night, we had a combination January Democracy for Riverside (DFR) Meeting/Coffee for Bill Hedrick at Marci and James’ house. It was well attended by both DFR members and new faces from the surrounding neighborhood. Bill discussed some of the most important issues facing our district and, indeed, all Americans: the war in Iraq, the economy, and education. Everyone left the party impressed with Bill, and several people volunteered to hold events where they could introduce their friends to Bill.

by Denise [courtesy of Blog for America]

The polling is complete, and Democracy for Riverside is pleased to announce that our members unanimously voted to endorse Bill Hedrick for Congress.  Bill, who has one son who served in Iraq, and another son and daughter-in-law still serving there, is looking forward to a tough fight even as the neo-cons’ imperialistic, pro-war policies lose favor across the nation.

Bill’s passionate but level-headed approach to issues from national defense to health care clearly resonates across party lines with Democratic and Republican voters alike.  It is going to be a tough fight, but do-able, with the support of everyday people like you.

How can you help?  Easy!  First, voice your support for Bill Hedrick to the wider DFA community on Bill’s DFA campaign page.  It is a free, easy way to build buzz and momentum as Bill competes nationally for recognition on the DFA-List.  Just click here now:

http://www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=2258

Then, plug in to Bill’s campaign by signing up on his official campaign web site:

www.hedrickforcongress.com

And of course, no political pitch would be complete without “The Ask!” Contribute to Bill Hedrick’s campaign through ActBlue’s secure site by clicking here now:

by Denise [courtesy of Blog for America]

Democracy for Riverside offered both Bill Hedrick and Louis Vandenberg, the two progressive candidates currently running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 44th Congressional District, the opportunity to compete for our local endorsement and recommendation to Democracy for America for the coveted DFA-List. Mr. Hedrick accepted the offer and returned the questionnaire.

Polling on whether or not Democracy for Riverside should endorse Mr. Hedrick will kick off following discussion at our monthly meeting on November 12, and will run until midnight on Sunday, November 25. Following are the questions posed by DFR and Mr. Hedrick’s responses in his own words.

by Bill Hedrick for Congress CA-44 [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]