(COMMON DREAMS) Deirdre Fulton, October 18, 2016 — Offering hope to those who feel “dispirited” by the presidential contest, the grassroots political organization People’s Action on Tuesday released its list of 22 down-ballot endorsements for the 2016 election.
“These candidates come from out of the justice movement in America—some as leaders within our own organizations,” said LeeAnn Hall, co-executive director of People’s Action.
“They know what it’s like to not be able to make ends meet,” Hall said. “They understand how it feels to have to choose between meals or medicine for your children. They understand what it’s like to be targeted for police violence because you are black, or have your family threatened by deportation. They represent families in America, not America’s corporate elite.”
Observers will notice overlap between the People’s Action endorsements and those of Our Revolution, the organization launched to carry on the progressive ideals of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. Among the names on both lists are higher-profile candidates like Russ Feingold in Wisconsin, Zephyr Teachout in New York, and David Zuckerman in Vermont; as well as lesser-knowns like Ilhan Omar in Minnesota, Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania, and Jamie Raskin in Maryland.
That’s no coincidence.
In a press statement, People’s Action said that by endorsing these candidates, it is “building on the progressive political revolution ignited by Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. We are lifting up grassroots leaders who are committed to fighting for people instead of corporate profits; standing up for racial and gender justice; working for an equitable people’s economy, and fighting global warming and for climate justice.”