New Democrat Coalition Chairman Congratulates New Members on Swearing-In
Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Chairman of the New Democrat Coalition, released the following statement following the swearing-in of Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Rep. Brad Ashford (D-NE), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Gwen Graham (D-FL), and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) to the 114th Congress today:
“I congratulate Pete, Brad, Don, Gwen and Kathleen on being sworn in to the House of Representatives,” Chairman Kind said in a statement. “As proud New Democrat Coalition Members, we will work with our colleagues in both parties to develop a vision for America’s future that reaches beyond the two-year Congressional election cycle, instead aiming to leave our country stronger and more competitive than ever before.
Our goals as New Democrats – jumpstarting economic growth, fostering a climate for innovation and making government more efficient and accountable to American taxpayers – are goals that the Majority claims to share with us. Let’s take a step beyond the partisanship of the past few years and make real progress on these priorities in 2015 for the sake of the American people.”
Below are profiles of the incoming New Democrats in the 114th Congress.
Pete Aguilar (CA-31)
As Mayor and a member of the city council in Redlands, California, Pete Aguilar worked across the aisle to find smart solutions to boost the city’s economy. He was able to balance the city’s budget, turning a multi-million dollar deficit into a surplus while simultaneously improving the city’s credit rating and infrastructure. Aguilar’s efforts as Mayor helped to energize Redlands’ reputation as a top destination for new businesses. A fourth-generation resident of California’s Inland Empire, he is also a former small business owner.
Brad Ashford (NE-02)
For the last three decades, Brad Ashford has worked across party lines to help everyday Nebraskans achieve a piece of the American dream. Born and raised in a fifth-generation Nebraskan family, Brad learned the value of a hard day’s work while stocking shelves at his parents’ small business. During his sixteen-year career in the Nebraska Unicameral, he modernized business incentives, making Nebraska one of the best places to start a business in the United States. He helped pass the largest tax cut in the state’s history while safeguarding key priorities.
Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)
Don Beyer is a successful businessman with over 40 years of private-sector experience. He became general manager of his family’s Volvo dealership by age 25 and purchased the business in 1986. As Chair of the Virginia Economic Recovery Commission and as Virginia’s 36th Lieutenant Governor, Don helped to usher in pro-business reforms that helped to strengthen the climate for job creation in the state. He co-founded the Northern Virginia Technology Council.
Rep. Gwen Graham (FL-02)
Gwen Graham has arrived in Congress to bring the “North Florida Way” to Washington – a strong tradition of independent, common-sense leadership geared to fostering economic growth. Gwen’s first experience in public service came as PTA president and chair of her local School Advisory Council, where she developed a strong relationship with leaders on both sides of the aisle and a reputation for building consensus from conflict.
Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-04)
Called “New York’s ‘Eliot Ness’” by a Long Island newspaper, Kathleen Rice’s innovative crime-reduction strategies and progressive reforms as District Attorney of Nassau County earned her national notoriety. The New York Daily News dubbed Kathleen “the state’s toughest DWI prosecutor” for her efforts to secure Long Island’s first DWI-murder convictions and change statewide DWI law.
The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.
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