DFL Party, Ashwin Madia Welcome DCCC Chairman Van Hollen to Minnesota
"DFL Party News"05/16/2008
Maryland Congressman Visiting State to Throw Full Support to Madia’s Bid to Win Open Third District Seat
St. Paul, MN (May 16, 2008) The Minnesota DFL Party, along with Ashwin Madia, today welcomed United States Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, at a press conference this morning at the State Capitol. Representative Van Hollen is visiting Minnesota to throw the full support of the DCCC behind the campaign of Iraq War veteran Ashwin Madia to win the open Third Congressional District seat in the western Twin Cities suburbs.
DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez said: “At the DFL Party we are thrilled that Ashwin Madia — a man of honor, commitment and uncompromising vision — is our candidate. We will put our full resources into ensuring that he wins the Third District for the DFL Party for the first time in 50 years.”
Melendez continued: “Moreover, we will continue to hold Madia’s opponent, Erik Paulsen, accountable for his well-documented, highly ideological, far-right record that clearly shows that Paulsen lacks the values, judgment and temperament to represent the moderate Third District in the way that its residents have a right to expect.”
Representative Van Hollen added: “This fall, Minnesota families will have a choice between a candidate like Erik Paulsen, who is an ideologue in the Bush–Cheney mold, and Ashwin Madia, who embodies change. Ashwin Madia has lived the American dream, bravely volunteered for the Marines and served in Iraq, and will bring innovative ideas to change the direction of our country. Ashwin’s unique experience as an Iraq War veteran will be an asset to Democrats’ efforts to safely and responsibly end the war in Iraq so that we can again focus on domestic priorities.”
Van Hollen continued: “We have seen this election year that when voters have the choice between a status-quo Republican and a Democrat who represents a new direction, Democrats win. This race is an opportunity for Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans who want to move our country in a new direction. We believe in Ashwin Madia’s vision to change the direction of our country.”
Ashwin Madia said: “I am honored to have the support of the DCCC and the DFL Party, and am extremely proud of the strong, broad coalition we have put together. I’m pleased that our campaign’s message is resonating with independents and Republicans. Fiscal responsibility and balancing America’s budget is an issue that appeals across party lines. Ending our dependence on foreign oil and moving toward energy independence is an issue that appeals across party lines.”
Madia, who was surrounded by veterans, continued: “And ending the war in Iraq with honor is an issue that appeals across party lines — and one that is personal to me and to fellow veterans as well. I know from having had boots on the ground in Iraq that we can and must start drawing down our troops responsibly.”
In response to a question about his reaction to President Bush’s comments to the Israeli Knesset that likened those who disagree with his policies to appeasers, Madia said, “I call upon President Bush to stop marginalizing and questioning the patriotism and courage of those who disagree with him. That sort of rhetoric not only does not help bring an end to conflict, it has contributed to our becoming overextended in the first place.”