Tom Allen
2008
US Senate
Maine
Won Primary
Lost General
“I believe elected representatives are bound to work towards the benefit of the common good and not the interest of a few individuals.”
Jim Martin
2008
US Senate
Georgia
Won Primary
Lost General
“My family believes in public service. My study of history makes me proud of our country. My faith calls me to service.”
Jeff Merkley
2008
US Senate
Oregon
Won Primary
Won General
“I envision a nation where every child is able to get a strong public education and afford college; where every American has health care; where every worker has the unequivocal right to organize and join a union; where every American can live without facing discrimination; where women have 100% access to reproductive health care; and where our elected officials are free from the influence of big money political campaigns.”
Andrew Rice
2008
US Senate
Oklahoma
Won Primary
Lost General
“Bold changes of direction occur when a leader puts their own political self-interest at risk to forge a third way.”
Jeanne Shaheen
2008
US Senate
New Hampshire
Won Primary
Won General
“The fundamental core value that guides my decision making is that everyone deserves a fair shot at living a full life.”
Tom Udall
2008
US Senate
New Mexico
Won Primary
Won General
“I think the job of a U.S. Senator is to do what’s right for New Mexico, no matter what. That’s why as Attorney General I toughened drunk driving laws and prosecuted corrupt elected officials - it didn’t matter to me that they were in my party. It’s why I’ve worked to do right by our veterans by increasing health care funding and supporting a new GI Bill. And I’m going to keep standing up for New Mexico... because it’s the right thing to do.”
John Adler
2008
US Congress
3rd District
New Jersey
Won Primary
Won General
“I know that with hard work, integrity and commitment, we can change the direction of our country and restore confidence in our government.”
Judy Baker
2008
US Congress
9th District
Missouri
Won Primary
Lost General
“We (Democrats) must not have a wishbone where our backbone ought to be!”
Kay Barnes
2008
US Congress
6th District
Missouri
Won Primary
Lost General
“I firmly believe that everyone should be treated with respect as human beings and that diversity is an asset, not a detriment to our society.”
Diane Benson
2008
US Congress
At Large
Alaska
Lost Primary
“The time has come for America to change the guard from a culture of corporate corruption and lobbyists, to one which will demonstrate ethics and accountability. It is my wish that as we enter this new era, we as Democrats will represent the best in American principles. That our policies, both foreign and domestic, will demonstrate a moral courage so great that America will not merely be feared but once again admired by the world.”
John Boccieri
2008
US Congress
16th District
Ohio
Won Primary
Won General
“I value the notion that the answers to America’s dilemmas are not in Washington but out here in the midst of our hard working people in Ohio and together, with our shared values, we can achieve anything we put our hearts and minds to.”
Darcy Burner
2008
US Congress
8th District
Washington
Won Primary
Lost General
“Leadership is seeing the big picture, knowing how to get there, and then painting that picture so vividly that the rest of the world eagerly comes along.”
André Carson
2008
US Congress
7th District
Indiana
Won Special
Won Primary
Won General
“I see a society where we are economically secure, have an education system that truly prepares our children, are treating our seniors with the respect they deserve, and have ended the war in Iraq. But most importantly, I would like to live in a community, and a country, where we are all respected and all given a voice so that we can shape our own futures."
Steve Driehaus
2008
US Congress
1st District
Ohio
Won Primary
Won General
“My vision for my community and my country is an engaged citizenry, a citizenry that understands the interdependent nature of our lives. This translates into individuals who do not only live for themselves and for their own success, but who have a deep appreciation of what it means to serve and what it means to be engaged in the broader community.”
Donna Edwards
2008
US Congress
4th District
Maryland
Won Special
Won Primary
Won General
“I felt strongly that someone needed to run who would represent a district that cares deeply about our families, our community, and the direction of our country. I want to work to ensure that our district is one where my son, when he graduates from college, will want to come back to.”
Joan Fitz-Gerald
2008
US Congress
2nd District
Colorado
Lost Primary
“As State Senate President, I’m proud that we improved funding for our schools, expanded Coloradans access to health care, and made Colorado a national leader in renewable energy. I’m looking forward to talking with voters across the district about bringing the same kind of change to Washington.”
Joe Garcia
2008
US Congress
19th District
Florida
Won Primary
Lost General
“I`ve learned in life that hard work, strong leadership and a movement from the ground up, whether it be from an organization, local community, city, state or a country is how we can achieve this positive change.”
Bill Foster
2008
US Congress
14th District
Illinois
Won Special
Won Primary
Won General
"Year after year the same people run for office and nothing changes in Washington. I'm Bill Foster, and as a scientist and businessman I want to stop the political bickering and start solving problems."
Gabrielle Giffords
2008
US Congress
8th District
Arizona
Won Primary
Won General
“I believe that true community service means a personal commitment of time and energy and when I make a commitment, I follow it through to the end.”
Kirsten Gillibrand
2008
US Congress
20th District
New York
Won Primary
Won General
“It is time for American energy policy to be dictated by the consumers and not the oil and gas industry.”
Debbie Halvorson
2008
US Congress
11th District
Illinois
Won Primary
Won General
“We need to restore our commitment to the greater good and remind ourselves that America can do better. We must do better, not only for Americans but for people around the globe.”
Martin Heinrich
2008
US Congress
1st District
New Mexico
Won Primary
Won General
“I support an Apollo Project for energy that would summon the collective energy of the federal and state governments, private industry, labor, non-profit research groups, and colleges and universities across the nation. This intense change in direction would create three million new, high paying 'green-collar' jobs for Americans all over the country and in New Mexico.”
Jim Himes
2008
US Congress
4th District
Connecticut
Won Primary
Won General
“I believe in the American dream because I’m lucky enough to have lived it. But I know the American dream is not a gift. It is there because we nourish it, sustain it, support it. It is our job, our common purpose to support the dream by making sure that every child has access to education, to healthcare, to safe neighborhoods and good jobs.”
Christine Jennings
2008
US Congress
13th District
Florida
Won Primary
Lost General
“I'm running to return responsibility and integrity to government. From health care to housing costs, Florida's families are struggling to get by, and they need an honest voice speaking for them in Washington.”
Mary Jo Kilroy
2008
US Congress
15th District
Ohio
Won Primary
Won General
“I envision an America where our government supports sustainable, livable, communities where people can live, work, play and raise a family.”
Ann Kirkpatrick
2008
US Congress
1st District
Arizona
Won Primary
Won General
“I want America to be a place where people are hopeful and know that our best days are ahead of us.”
Larry Kissell
2008
US Congress
8th District
North Carolina
Won Primary
Won General
“If you want a miracle you have to be willing to get out of the boat. I’m willing.”
Suzanne Kosmas
2008
US Congress
24th District
Florida
Won Primary
Won General
“I have a proven record of putting the interest of individuals first and effectively reaching across party lines to bring change to my state, and as a member of Congress I will bring this approach to Washington to change our country's direction and to bring civility and respect back to politics.”
Frank Kratovil
2008
US Congress
1st District
Maryland
Won Primary
Won General
“The factors that have guided my decisions as a prosecutor and will continue to guide me as a Congressman are facts, law, fairness and justice.”
Nicholas Leibham
2008
US Congress
50th District
California
Won Primary
Lost General
“My highest priority is to restore confidence in our Democracy and make Americans proud of their government again.”
Ben Luján
2008
US Congress
3rd District
New Mexico
Won Primary
Won General
“The New Mexico I see in the future is a cleaner, healthier place, with water running through our acequias, our precious natural resources intact, and resources, health care, jobs and infrastructure more readily available to our least-served residents. The America I see does not rely on foreign energy to run our cars and our lives or start our wars.”
Mike Lumpkin
2008
US Congress
52nd District
California
Won Primary
Lost General
“My vision for the 52nd Congressional District and for America as a whole is one of Security. This is not the traditional sense of the word. My vision of security includes Energy Security, Economic Security, Educational Security, and National Security. As a National Security Expert, I have come to appreciate the interconnectedness of each of these areas and how vital it is to the success of our country to approach them holistically.”
Dan Maffei
2008
US Congress
25th District
New York
Won Primary
Won General
“I know how challenging life is for middle-class families in Central and Upstate New York. I'm running for Congress to take our economy in a new direction so we can get real results for our community.”
Betsy Markey
2008
US Congress
4th District
Colorado
Won Primary
Won General
“America can still be the land of opportunity if we elect leaders who are willing to engage, encourage, and empower the people in our communities. I am running for Congress because I care deeply about the future of this country.”
Raul Martinez
2008
US Congress
21st District
Florida
Won Primary
Lost General
“I envision a nation that does not engage in senseless unprovoked wars and military adventure around the globe. A nation that prioritizes the needs of its citizens ahead of those of corporate interests and the wealthiest in our society. A nation that understands the greatest resource we have is our people and that we must educate and train them to be successful in this complex world”
Gary Peters
2008
US Congress
9th District
Michigan
Won Primary
Won General
“I believe that public service is about something bigger than ourselves- it is about ensuring that those who do not have a voice are given an equitable seat at the table.”
Chellie Pingree
2008
US Congress
1st District
Maine
Won Primary
Won General
“It is critical that we return our country to a thriving and functioning democracy, and fighting for that requires eternal vigilance.”
Jon Powers
2008
US Congress
26th District
New York
Lost Primary
“I believe that we have the power to tackle our nation's great problems and together we have the power to change Washington.”
Mark Schauer
2008
US Congress
7th District
Michigan
Won Primary
Won General
“Doing what is best for my constituents and the general public, versus the politically expedient choice, has always been at the center of my thought process.”
Dan Seals
2008
US Congress
10th District
Illinois
Won Primary
Lost General
“When we give every single person the chance to realize their potential, our country will in turn realize its own potential.”
Dennis Shulman
2008
US Congress
5th District
New Jersey
Won Primary
Lost General
“I believe that Congress could use more candor and more people with diverse life experiences. We keep sending career politicians to Washington and what do we have to show for it? A big mess. It may very well take a blind man to show Congress the light.”
Carol Shea-Porter
2008
US Congress
1st District
New Hampshire
Won Primary
Won General
“I ran for Congress to represent the rest of us, the bottom 99% that the Bush Administration has left behind. I am proud to have kept my promise in Washington and I am looking forward to being part of the bigger change that we all know is coming.”
Mike Smith
2008
US Congress
8th District
Florida
Lost Primary
“I believe our community deserves fresh ideas from their Congressman and independent leadership that reflects our values and priorities. That is why I am running for Congress.”
Jackie Speier
2008
US Congress
12th District
California
Won Special
Won Primary
Won General
“I believe within my lifetime it is possible that the world will look to America as living proof that people of all backgrounds and ethnicities can come together to create and sustain communities where there is equal access to education, quality affordable healthcare, and an equitable justice system.”
Linda Stender
2008
US Congress
7th District
New Jersey
Won Primary
Lost General
“The Bush Administration has failed our nation’s middle class, and it’s time we take our country back. Back to a nation that stands up for working families and creates policies that offer the promise of a better tomorrow for every American.”
Harry Teague
2008
US Congress
2nd District
New Mexico
Won Primary
Won General
“I envision an America that rewards people for an honest day’s work. If you play by the rules, keep your nose clean and work hard, you should be able to get ahead in America. That’s what I’ve done my entire life, and that’s why I’m running for Congress.”
Gary Trauner
2008
US Congress
At Large
Wyoming
Won Primary
Lost General
“I want to ensure that Wyoming and the United States are prosperous and secure. I want to ensure that we are committed to democracy and our constitution, that we respect and celebrate our diversity, that we provide equal opportunity for all and that we define ourselves not only by our economic prosperity, but by the quality of our lives and how we interact with others.”
Chris Gregoire
2008
Governor
Washington
Won Primary
Won General
“Like many growing up in the 1960’s, I was inspired to enter public service by John F. Kennedy. I heard his call to serve something greater than myself and knew that I could go into the world and make a difference. As Democrats of the 21st, or any, century, we are obligated to get results that help our most vulnerable citizens prosper.”
Jack Markell
2008
Governor
Delaware
Won Primary
Won General
“We need to raise our expectations; we need to demand more of ourselves. We can and we must do better. The issue in this campaign is whether we’re going to continue along the path that we’ve been following or whether we’re going to take bold steps toward a stronger, healthier Delaware.”
Kate Brown
2008
Secretary of State
Oregon
Won Primary
Won General
"Throughout my career, both in the legislature and as a family and juvenile law attorney, I have been motivated by a sense of fairness and social justice. These are the values that will move this country towards full equality, whether it is securing equal rights, creating pay equity or ensuring that every person has access to health care."
Steve Bullock
2008
Attorney General
Montana
Won Primary
Won General
“I believe we have an obligation to one another, to leave our state and our world in a better place than we found it, and to improve opportunities for our children and grandchildren.”
Rich Cordray
2008
Attorney General
Ohio
Won Primary
Won General
“Leadership requires an understanding, curiosity, and the will to exert pressure for change.”
Denise Juneau
2008
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Montana
Won Primary
Won General
“I am a firm believer in the power of public education because I know what it can do for individuals and for our state. We all know that a good education brings better jobs, more opportunities, and stronger communities. We must continue to advocate for first-class public schools.”
Linda McCulloch
2008
Secretary of State
Montana
Won Primary
Won General
“I have always believed that I can make a difference. More importantly, I have always believed that everyone can make a difference. As Montana’s Secretary of State I will be devoted to informing voters of all ages and all political parties that they can make a difference – that one vote does count.”
Jim Roth
2008
Corporation Commissioner
Oklahoma
Won Primary
Lost General
“My vision for America is to build a stronger union where each voice is heard and each person is respected so this Country can become a beacon of hope, innovation and inspiration for the world around us.”
Clint Zweifel
2008
State Treasurer
Missouri
Won Primary
Won General
“I believe public service is a place to create dialogue and move policy debate to where we can focus on creating opportunities for all Americans to share the rewards of economic growth.”
Wendy Davis
2008
State Senate
10th District
Texas
Won Primary
Won General
“I envision and will work for an America where we provide opportunity for educating and advancing (up and out of poverty) the least among us. My education provided that opportunity for me.”
Hannah-Beth Jackson
2008
State Senate
19th District
California
Won Primary
Won General
“We owe every individual quality and accessible healthcare and the right to live a life of basic dignity, free of poverty or discrimination.”
Daniel Biss
2008
State House
17th District
Illinois
Won Primary
Lost General
“Government must take the lead in inspiring people, fostering healthy communities and empowering concerned citizens to affect change. I am running for office so that I can help our government reclaim these roles in Illinois.”
Michael Calderin
2008
State House
119th District
Florida
Won Primary
Lost General
“But I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve been able to build and the people I’ve helped along the way. I don’t consider it extraordinary, but both face-to-face and online, I’ve been able to offer hope to the depressed, teach people how to work as a team, and give them the opportunity to lead.”
Ty Cobb
2008
State House
64th District
Tennessee
Won Primary
Won General
“My vision for the state of Tennessee and America is that it is a place where there is true accountability in public safety and public welfare particularly when it comes to public disasters. We need to ensure that government is truly behind hard working people when their lives are destroyed by natural disasters whether the disaster is it a flood, tornado, or a hurricane.”
Adam M. Fetterman
2008
State House
81st District
Florida
Won Primary
Won General
“I relish the opportunity to be an agent of change, refusing to accept the status quo, always believing we can improve.”
Anton Gunn
2008
State House
79th District
South Carolina
Won Primary
Won General
“I will fight for a first class public education system, for better infrastructure and smart growth and I will work for better health care choices that stop strangling our small business by burdening them with skyrocketing health care costs.”
Deb Lavender
2008
State House
94th District
Missouri
Won Primary
Lost General
“I am dedicated to leading by example and making a difference in our world.”
Al McAffrey
2008
State House
88th District
Oklahoma
Won Primary
Won General
“Learning and education drives the improvement of society. Without increases in education and technology societies fall stagnant to outdated ideas and methods. Funding for primary, secondary, and higher education must be made more readily available.”
Connie Pillich
2008
State House
28th District
Ohio
Won Primary
Won General
“I will fight to solve the problems that our legislature has ignored for years: affordable health care, quality education, jobs for Ohio’s future and care for our returning veterans.”
Dan Scripps
2008
State House
101st District
Michigan
Won Primary
Won General
“I want a more just, more confident Michigan that ensures its people have the ability to take advantage of a changing world. I want a Michigan where every person has the opportunity to make the most of their God-given potential, exploring the possibilities of life and the opportunities to contribute their skills and talents in fulfilling ways. I want a sustainable Michigan, where we protect the incredible and unique natural resources so central both to our health and quality of life.”
Summer Starr
2008
State House
12th District
Hawaii
Lost Primary
"I feel that now is the time to make my voice heard, because it is the voice of so many. It is the voice of my generation. It is the voice of our future, and it is the voice that respects and loves the past of my district on Maui, which we must protect from being lost forever."
Rick Taylor
2008
State House
151st District
Pennsylvania
Won Primary
Won General
“When the time comes for me to step away from public service my hope is that people will say I worked to improve the lives and security of working and middle class families.”
Barbara Favola
2008
Arlington County Board
Virginia
Won Primary
Won General
“A critical goal of policies guiding growth in a community should be to honor the values that a community holds dear. I have always celebrated Arlington’s diversity and pledged to the community a commitment to house residents from all income brackets. I totally believe in the value of affordable housing and have committed a large portion of my time and energy to accomplishing this goal.”
Andy Meisner
2008
Oakland County Treasurer
Michigan
Won Primary
Won General
“I envision a Michigan that is economically diversified and competitive in the global marketplace thanks to a citizenry standing up and having the foresight to make smart investments in human capital. No family loses its home, and no community is neglected.”
