For Immediate Release Contact: Kurt Watkins Press Secretary, YDA (214) 923 – 6903
Contact: Karl Johnson
Communications Director, YDA
(202) 577 – 4366
Young Voters Remain Optimistic Despite Coakley Defeat
Additional time, money and manpower will be used in upcoming elections to guarantee Democratic majority
Washington, D.C. (January 19, 2010) – Massachusetts State Attorney General Martha Coakley’s defeat in the race for the late Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat against Republican Scott Brown reminds young Democratic activists on the importance of engaging and getting out the youth vote in the upcoming election cycle.
In addition to Massachusetts, Young Democratic Organizations in states including Connecticut, New York, Virginia, Kansas, Minnesota, Florida, South Dakota, Louisiana, Maryland, and Texas organized themselves to make over 100,000 calls for Senate candidate Martha Coakley, but the campaign effort was not enough. The loss should remind Democratic leaders to utilize youth organizations for their proven savvy approach to peer-to-peer grassroots campaigning and social media, early in the upcoming 2010 mid-term elections.
“Coakley’s defeat serves as a rallying call for young, Democratic activists to remain energized and optimistic leading into the 2010 election season. With important legislation such as health insurance reform being discussed, which remains a priority agenda item for young people, youth activists must remain engaged” said Joseph Lazzerini, Young Democrats of Massachusetts At-Large Board Member.
Victory in the 2010 elections will allow Democrats to maintain a progressive edge in the Senate and the House; and help propel pending legislation supported by the Obama Administration.
“It is our hope that the election of a Republican Senator does not delay the debate and final passage of vital legislation, including health insurance reform, job creation, and increasing access and affordability to higher education. It would be a shame if one vote was able to reverse the hard work and progress that has been made when we are so close to passing meaningful reform,” said YDA President Crystal Strait.
About the Young Democrats of America (YDA)
The Young Democrats of America is the largest youth-led partisan political organization in the country and represents Democratic youth under the age of 36. With 300,000+ members – including middle school, high school and college students as well as young workers, young professionals and young families – YDA reflects the broad diversity of our nation and the Democratic Party. The Young Democrats of America has been the official youth arm of the Democratic Party since 1932.
For more information, please visit www.yda.org.
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