DFER Michigan
MDFER ENDORSES NINE CANDIDATES
For Release:
July 12, 2010
Contact:
Harrison Blackmond, 248-229-4157
Michigan Democrats for Education Reform Endorses Nine Candidates in Various Races
New PAC endorses Speaker Dillon for Governor, three candidates for State Senate and five running for State Representative
Lansing, MI - The state's newest political action committee today announced endorsements in the 2010 primary elections, focusing on nine candidates that support education reform efforts.
The Michigan Democrats for Education (MDFER) is a Political Action Committee (PAC) whose mission is to encourage a more productive dialogue within the Democratic Party on the need to fundamentally reform Michigan's public education.
"We are pleased to endorse Speaker Andy Dillon (D-City) in his campaign for Governor," said Harrison Blackmond, State Director of MDFER. "Dillon has demonstrated his support for genuine education reform during the passage of 'Race to the Top' legislation and other bills, and he will continue this leadership as Governor," Blackmond continued.
State Senate candidates endorsed by MDFER include:
o District 01: LaMar Lemmons (D-Detroit)
o District 02: Bert Johnson (D-Detroit)
o District 18: Pam Byrnes (D-Ann Arbor)
House of Representatives candidates endorsed by MDFER include:
o District 3: Carol Banks (D-Detroit)
o District 4: Edgar Vann III (D-Detroit)
o District 5: John Olumba (D-Highland Park)
o District 8: Thomas Stallworth (D-Detroit)
o District 9: Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit)
"These eight legislative candidates are all in contested primary elections, and each of them has proven themselves to be focused on closing the achievement gap and helping all kids learn, regardless of which school they are in. They have earned our support and deserve to be elected," said Blackmond.
As part of its political work, MDFER endorses and provides financial support to candidates who subscribe to the organization's mission and objectives for systemic education reform. MDFER intends to make additional endorsements in the 2010 general election.
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Michigan DFER Education Reform Honor Roll
These Michigan Democrats have demonstrated that they are "all in" for Michigan Children. MDFER honors them for their courage and commitment.
- Senator Buzz Thomas, 4th District, Detroit
- Senator Tupac Hunter, 5th District, Detroit
- Senator Michael Switalski, 10th District, Roseville
- Speaker Andy Dillon, 17th District, Redford Township
- Representative Tim Melton, 29th District, Auburn Hill
- Representative Shanelle Jackson, 9th District, Detroit
- Representative Bert Johnson, 5th District, Highland Park
We urge you to support and encourage these legislators, let them know how much we appreciate them for taking strong positions in support of real education reform in Michigan.
Education in Michigan is failing.
In recent reports, including December's National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Michigan's education performance is declining to new lows.
We are at a crossroads in Michigan and now is the time to act.
Systematic reform and innovative approaches are the essential ingredients towards solving this state's most serious issue.
Michigan Democrats for Education Reform recognizes that a unified effort is required to provide Michigan families with better opportunities for quality public education, while improving the state's chances of winning up to $400 million dollars in "Race to the Top" federal funding.
Join us in our effort to put political posturing aside and fight for our children's future in Michigan.
Meet Harrison Blackmond, Michigan Director
For more than 35 years, Harrison Blackmond has dedicated his life towards helping children achieve the education they deserve. Harrison has served a multitude of roles within Michigan's education system, including Chair of the Marygrove College Board of Trustees, President of the Business\Education Training Alliance, Vice Chairman and member of the Executive Committee of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Detroit Black Alliance for Education Options.
"Many of us throughout Michigan are fed up with the status quo education system and believe our children deserve better," said Blackmond. "We want to recognize and support legislators like Senator Buzz Thomas, who are willing to rise above traditional political posturing and present innovative legislation that improves the quality of education. MDFER wants to send a strong message to other legislators throughout our great state that help is on the way."
Contact us today!
Harrison Blackmond
Michigan Director
P.O. Box 12142
Lansing, MI 48901-2142
248 229 4157
248 233 6232 (fax)
