FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 09, 2006

CONTACT: Stacey Farnen Bernards 202-225-3130

Young House Democrats Ask Colleagues to Support Hoyer for Majority Leader

Democrats with Close Ties to Members-Elect Urge Support for Hoyer

WASHINGTON - A group of young House Democrats, many of whom worked closely with Democratic candidates during the election, sent a letter to Democratic Members-elect today in support of Whip Steny Hoyer for Majority Leader, noting:

"Steny's efforts on our behalf did not end on the campaign trail.

After we were elected, Steny worked hard to make sure that our transition as new House Members was a smooth one.  And, he always sought out our views and was willing to offer advice, when needed.  We know that he will do the same for you."

The text of the letter is attached:

November 9, 2006

Dear Colleague:

Congratulations on your election victory!  Let us be among the first to welcome you to the Democratic Caucus for the 110th Congress.  As Members who have worked extensively with our candidates, we know exactly how you are feeling right about now.

Today, however, we want to remind you that one of the most important votes you will cast over the next two years will occur next Thursday, when our Caucus elects its new leadership team.  We urge you to vote for Steny Hoyer of Maryland as our new Majority Leader.

Steny is a bridge builder and experienced and effective leader.  Steny and our Leader Nancy Pelosi - who will soon be Speaker - have formed a formidable team, bringing our Caucus together.  Steny has demonstrated time and again that he has the legislative skills, organizational know-how and the broad base of support within the Democratic Caucus to be a tremendous asset as our Majority Leader.  He reaches out to all Democrats and helps bring us together.  And, as the Whip for the last four years, Steny helped our Caucus achieve unprecedented unity.

Steny has provided more than $8 million in assistance to Democrats and the DCCC.  In this election cycle, Steny has contributed more than $1.1 million directly to incumbents and candidates, and raised an additional $3.3 million for Members and candidates.  In addition, Steny has given $750,000 directly to the DCCC, in addition to raising more than $3 million for the Committee.  In total, Steny has raised or given, through AMERIPAC and Hoyer for Congress, more than $8 million to Democratic Members, candidates and the DCCC.

Furthermore, Steny traveled to more than 33 states and campaigned and recruited in 80 Districts in this cycle alone.

Steny's efforts on our behalf did not end on the campaign trail.  After we were elected, Steny worked hard to make sure that our transition as new House Members was a smooth one.  And, he always sought out our views and was willing to offer advice, when needed.  We know that he will do the same for you.

Next week, we hope you will join us in supporting Steny as our new Majority Leader.

Sincerely,

CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
MIKE ROSS
STEVE ISRAEL                   
ARTUR DAVIS
STEPHANIE HERSETH 

Click here for pdf copy of the letter with signatures.

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