New Dems Continue Big Gains on Election Day
For the second straight cycle, the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of moderate Democrats in the House, has grown its membership. On Tuesday, the NewDems continued their strong growth with 15 of the 19 winning candidates in races called so far being backed by the Coalition.
Three additional NewDem-backed candidates, Charlie Brown in California's 4th district, Darcy Burner in Washington's 8th, and Frank Kratovil in Maryland's 1st, remain in tightly-contested elections previously held by Republicans.
NewDem Members' defeat of Republican candidates over the past two election cycles has resulted in the substantial growth in the party that returned control of Congress to Democrats in 2006 and in 2008 ensured an expanded Democratic majority in the House. In 2006, NewDems were responsible for 16 of the 30 seats Democrats picked up in the House.
"Americans voted for change on Tuesday," NewDem Chair Rep. Ellen Tauscher said. "Our coalition worked hard to elect Barack Obama president and expand the Democratic majority in the House. Now, we are ready to work with President-elect Obama and to continue our work with Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for consensus solutions that rebuild our economy, expand the middle class and make America energy independent."
"The Coalition's gain of at least 15 seats is a testament to America's hunger for moderate, bipartisan governance. The New Democrat Coalition will continue to reach across the aisle in working to tackle important issues like rebuilding the economy, striving for energy independence, and preparing our kids to compete in a 21st century marketplace. With the help of the Members we have proudly added to our coalition, that of President-elect Obama and the Democratic Leadership, we look forward to a highly productive session for the American people" said NewDem Vice-Chair Rep. Ron Kind.
The New Democrat Coalition, always leaders on the economy and innovation, is committed to enacting policies that maintain U.S. competitiveness, meet the challenges posed by globalization in the 21st Century and strengthen our national security. The Coalition currently operates three task forces dealing with Financial Services, Health Care and Energy issues. The NewDems are dedicated to providing the leadership necessary to implement policies that will ensure that America rebuilds its prosperity and global leadership.
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