Democracy for America Endorsement

Hi Everybody!

Last night was the endorsement for the Columbia chapter of Democracy for America. They endorsed me, so I'm feel pretty warm-and-fuzzy toward them this morning.

Honestly, it feels like the meeting has been a long time coming! I've been working for the endorsement since I entered the race, back in January -- there were lots of hoops to jump through. First, there was the on-line application. Then there was the candidate forum for their members (which was particularly fun, I must admit). Then there was last night's meeting, which involved candidate speeches in front of the membership.

Mary and Bob both did good jobs at the forum and last night. I felt pretty sure that I could get a plurality of the vote, but the kicker was that the winner had to get at least 60% of the vote or there would be NO endorsement. Ugh.

Thankfully, I ended up with 65% of the vote on the first ballot (leaving just 35% to be split between Bob and Mary), so it was over pretty quickly.

DFA is important to me because they are so grassroots -- and the endorsement should go along with quite a bit of volunteer support (a key to my winning).

Below is the release we sent about the endorsement. This is definitely an important step for our campaign.

Take care.

- sean

Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th House District
www.SpenceCampaign.com
seanspence@earthlink.net
573-823-1308 (mobile)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
CONTACT: SEAN SPENCE
573-823-1308; seanspence@earthlink.net


DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA OF COLUMBIA ENDORSES SPENCE ON FIRST BALLOT, WITH AT LEAST 60% OF THE VOTE

“All three of us pursued this endorsement with vigor because it represents the progressive, grassroots base of our party,” Spence said. “There was an application, a two-hour debate, and then another meeting with speeches in front of 44 members of the organization. With so much effort on all of our parts, it is particularly gratifying to receive such an overwhelming majority on the first ballot.”


(Columbia, MO) Today Sean Spence, Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 25th legislative district, announced his endorsement by the Columbia branch of Democracy for America, an organization whose mission is to elect progressive Democratic candidates.

The endorsement process included online applications, participation in a two-hour public debate, and candidate speeches in front of 44 of the organization’s members. Endorsement required a yes vote from at least 60% of the members in attendance, which Sean received on the first ballot, leaving Mary Still and Bob Pund to split the remaining votes.

“This is a particularly important endorsement because DFA is about everyday people getting together to make our world a better place,” Spence said. “I look forward to working with the organization’s membership as we continue to take our messages to the voters of Columbia. DFA’s grassroots support will make a difference in this race that no amount of money can match.”

Spence, a 1993 graduate of the University of Missouri, runs a public relations and political consulting practice in Columbia. A part-time state employee, Spence is an advisor to State Auditor Susan Montee.

Spence is a progressive Democrat whose experience with the legislature and work with such leaders as State Auditor Susan Montee and former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell will quickly position him for a key role in Jefferson City. His innovative approach and commitment to protecting MU and providing access to healthcare for all will make him a powerful asset for Columbia. More information is available at www.SpenceCampaign.com.


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