BNC new - Gay (married) Republican, army veteran & small business owner !

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Name - Alexandria Ocasio
District - New York - 14
Party primary - Democratic
Race - Hispanic
Gender - Female

2016 Result -

Democratic    Joseph Crowley    82.9%   
Republican     Frank Spotorno   17.1%   

About the candidate -


I was in college at Boston University, studying economics and international relations while working for Ted Kennedy, when Citizens United passed. After I graduated I started to get more interested in social enterprise - something I'd already done in West Africa helping create small business loans for women entrepreneurs. Here in America, I got involved with the National Hispanic Institute training high-ability Latino youth in honing their business skills. I finally got to return to the Bronx where I launched Brook Avenue Press, dedicated to developing products and curriculum focused on childhood intervention and literacy.

The economic downturn and the death of my father from cancer impacted my life tremendously. To make ends meet for my family, I started picking up side gigs. Working as a waitress and bartender - and later as an advocate for those in the hospitality industry - was another turning point in my life, reinforcing for me just how many among us are denied a voice in our government.

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/Alexandria-Ocasio



Name - Anthony Clark
District - Illinois - 07
Party primary - Democratic
Race - African American
Gender - Male

2016 Result -

Democratic   Green check    84.2%   
Republican     Jeffrey Leef   15.8%

About the candidate -


After high school and six years in the military, I earned a degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. I am proud to be a teacher at the Oak Park and River Forest High School. I founded Suburban Unity Alliance -- to work to end discrimination in our communities and to help fund good causes that may need a helping financial hand. It’s why I led a delegation to the Women’s March in D.C. and why I fought hard for the Welcoming Village ordinance recently passed in Oak Park.

After the daily pledge of allegiance, a student asked me “If we end the pledge with liberty and justice for all, why are there so many people in this country without liberty and denied justice?” It is a big part of the reason I am running to be your next U.S Representative.

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/Anthony-Clark



Name - Adrienne Bell
District - Texas 14
Party primary - Democratic
Race - African American
Gender - Female

2016 Result -

Republican      Randy Weber     61.9%   
Democratic   Michael Cole      38.1%

   
About the candidate -


I got my first job when I was 13, and did a bit of everything along the way.  Because my parents never got to finish their education, I knew how important it was for me to finish mine. It wasn’t easy as a single mother, working full time, and it took me a long time. But today I’m proud to say my children and I are all first generation college graduates. In fact, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management the same time as my son.

But I was hungry for more, so I chased my dream and pursued my Masters in Education. Today I work for the largest school district in Texas and I am currently working on my PhD in Education Administration. I served as the Community Outreach Director for Sylvia Garcia's successful Senate campaign. In 2013, I brought the Battleground Texas vision to the Houston/Gulf Coast area, serving as the Deputy Field Director, with responsibility for a 13 county area.

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/Adrienne-Bell



Name - Michael A. Hepburn
District - Florida - 27
Party primary - Democratic
Race - African American
Gender - Male

2016 Result -

Republican           Ros-Lehtinen    54.9%   
Democratic   Scott Fuhrman   45.1%

About the candidate -


Born and raised in one of Miami’s poorest neighborhood,  Michael grew up living in a public housing complex with his sister and his single mother . Michael is an energetic and innovative Business School Senior Academic Advisor and a start-up Nonprofit Vice President. A Silver Knight, Civic Activist and Youth Mentor – Michael currently serves on the City of Miami Parks & Recreation Advisory Board; Allapattah Neighborhood Association; Miami Police Citizens-On-Patrol; and the Miami Dade Democratic Executive Committee. He’s a proud Miami native and Alumnus of Florida International University and Miami Dade County.

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/Michael-A-Hepburn



Name - Robb Ryerse
District - Arkansas - 03
Party primary - Republican
Race - White
Gender - Male

2016 Result -

Republican         Steve Womack     77.3%   
Libertarian          Steve Isaacson   22.7%

About the candidate -


After college, I spent 10 years pastoring churches in New York City, the suburbs of Boston, and Central Michigan. I witnessed people being shunned or turned away from churches because they had different views on issues or made different lifestyle choices. It’s been twelve years since we threw open the doors of Vintage Fellowship. We welcome all people - LGBT and folks from all backgrounds, creeds and colors. Even skeptics are encouraged to join. We recently joined a group called OPEN, which is an alliance of progressive-leaning churches that embrace our view of Christianity. We are committed to lending a hand to anyone who needs it including aiding the resettlement of refugees in our district, something our current congressmen tried to shut down. In addition to my ministry, I hold down a full time job. That way I can provide for my family and free up more of our church's resources to help others in need.

I am a lifelong Republican - with the subscription to National Review to prove it. I’m joining Brand New Congress because I believe my party has lost their way. My oldest is about to head off to college. Vanessa and I are nervously eyeing college tuition bills - something we haven’t faced since we were in school. It’s easy to see why the cost of college keeps people up at night, and it’s disgraceful of today’s Congressional leaders to ignore the obstacles faced by working families. How can a kid from Arkansas have any chance to become the next Sam Walton with the deck stacked so high against them?

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/Robb-Ryerse

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Why do you post in the form of press releases?

Thought it was amusing ! Anyways

@ Topic

Back in April, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reported they conducted 205 interviews with potential candidates. Together and in that same timeframe, Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress have more than doubled that activity, interviewing over 500 potential candidates (not counting the 9,000+ nominees we've talked to).

When it comes to the Grassroots vs. the "professionals" — it is clear that energy and passion are far more valuable than even tens of millions of dollars. Passion is what fuels our movement. It is what will help the people of this nation take back our Congress, our parties, and our country from corporations.

(They have looked at 424 districts & held a 2 day boot camp & are creating flyers & are coming up with training sessions).

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Also, there is a zero percent chance Queens party boss Joe Crowley loses a primary, to anyone. Isn't he fairly progressive anyways?

Yeah, he's pretty progressive.

He's also in the midst of taking out a Queens-based Senator who just took up with the IDC. BNC is moronic for even thinking of taking him on.

Joe Crawley is a strong progressive. His record on abortion used to be terrible, but then he changed. He has many corruption allegations, was dragged before the Ethics committee on a wide range of fundraising issues including allegation of watering down bills to help his donors He is a New Democrat or atleast used to be. He doesn't support HR-676, Medicare-for-all ! There is sufficient groups for challenging him, you can atleast try & fail !

Brand New Congress will be fighting in most seats, more than 200 & not every seat will be easy, there will be barely a dozen moderate or competitive seats, the rest will be tough campaigns with low odds, like the entire Bernie Sanders' campaign was. But if the candidates are good & they run a great campaign, there is always an outside chance.

One of the big issues with Brand New Congress is that every candidate has to take a pledge to take 0 Pac, Super-pac money so they will be going with that motto ! In a democracy, you can primary as much you want - Everyone has the right !

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If these people want to be taken seriously, I hope some of the 9000+ they've spoken with are being encouraged to run for state and local offices, too.

They will probably be running 200-250 races. BNC & Justice Dems have said they have the energy to try for atleast 6-8 years & don't expect big wins in 2018 - Maybe 8-10 to be realistic. The Blue Dog's 18 odd number should be the target ! All these 1000's of candidates that they spoken to should not give up on the political process & should stay involved & run in local races, state legislatures & climb up!

For example - Cori Bush got 13% odd with virtually nothing in the Senate Dem primary for Missouri in 2016 (Kander won the primary). She is new running for the House in 2018 (Missouri-01). One good thing is it will force primary opponents in safe seats to push to the left & adopt progressive policy positions!

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If these people want to be taken seriously, I hope some of the 9000+ they've spoken with are being encouraged to run for state and local offices, too.

They will probably be running 200-250 races. BNC & Justice Dems have said they have the energy to try for atleast 6-8 years & don't expect big wins in 2018 - Maybe 8-10 to be realistic. The Blue Dog's 18 odd number should be the target ! All these 1000's of candidates that they spoken to should not give up on the political process & should stay involved & run in local races, state legislatures & climb up!

For example - Cori Bush got 13% odd with virtually nothing in the Senate Dem primary for Missouri in 2016 (Kander won the primary). She is new running for the House in 2018 (Missouri-01). One good thing is it will force primary opponents in safe seats to push to the left & adopt progressive policy positions!

Please no, I like my Rep Dan Lipinski being a Blue Dog Democrat.

Well, if you like him, he'll probably stay in office !

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The FL-27 candidate is an insider Democrat who already holds many positions in the community & in the Democratic party. Brand New Congress posted a video & I thought the FL-27 candidate was the worst (most phony, mediocre & boring speaker, etc). So that seat is likely gone (an open seat). Cori Bush (MO-01) is also a poor speaker. Paula Jean, the Senate candidate against Manchin is a passionate & very good speaker with emotional connect & has already raised 50K, but then it is Manchin, so that's a losing effort.

I thought the best candidate is Adrien Bell, Texas -14, a middle aged black women who came from a difficult childhood, parents worked as maid, nanny, in the farm, never went to college - She was a single mother early & couldn't finish education. She ultimately graduated with her son. Then she pursued a Masters. Now she is doing a Phd. She has held several local Democratic posts & has presented on 50 state strategy in Texas. She is also a very eloquent speaker & looks very sharp & intelligent. She is on a 60/40 GOP district so it's hard (but not impossible) for her !

The other candidates are all decent, even the Republican candidate seemed very nice & is a good speaker as well!

It all depends on how they run their campaigns.

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Name - Sarah Smith
District - Washington - 09
Party primary - Democratic
Race - White
Gender - Female

2016 Result -

Democratic           Adam Smith           72.9%   205,165
Republican              Doug Basler           27.1%   76,317

[Adam Smith is a leader for New Democrats (who have 5 members in Washington,ie, 50% of Washington house members, despite WA being overwhelmingly Democratic with multiple safe liberal seats). Adam Smith was a supporter of the Iraq War & is one of the latest Co-sponsors of HR676 - Medicare for all after opposing it throughout]


About the candidate -

Unfortunately, we were hit hard by the Great Recession. My dad was forced to retire and to sell our family’s home. My close, loving family split in different directions to survive. I’ve worked any job I could to keep that roof over my head today. I’ve been a foreclosure specialist, a paralegal and a liability negotiator. Today I work full-time as an administrative coordinator for a small business.
I’ve marched, donated, served and organized for Planned Parenthood, the World Wildlife Fund and the Humane Society. Through the years I’ve worked with refugees, Indian-Americans, young girls and feminist groups. I’ve helped coordinate food drives to aid families impacted by program cuts.

I got involved with my local legislative district and became a precinct committee officer. Brand New Congress put out a call to action and someone in my community nominated me. Our district is home to Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon. I want to see the 9th become a leader in manufacturing solar equipment to drive the Green Energy revolution. I’m going to fight for federal grants to upgrade our infrastructure to support our modern society, creating jobs that will balance the income disparity for people who lack the skills to work in aerospace engineering or tech.

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/sarah-smith

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Half of the members to Congress in WA are New Democrats, an ideological dinosaur faction who are well to the right of the people they represent in safe blue seats. Smith was an Iraq war supporter & is a centrist Democrat (& a New Democrat leader).

All 5 New Democrats in Washington should be wiped out. Going after Manchin & others are meaningless & a waste of time. It is actually useful to have some blue dogs in red seats but why have centrists in very progressive seats? Can you imagine the state which gave Bernie 70% of the primary vote has 50% of it's leaders as centrist New Democrats?


Anthony Clark, Illinois candidate has 3 MA's, is a military veteran, a teacher & is halfway through a Ph.d -

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Half of the members to Congress in WA are New Democrats, an ideological dinosaur faction who are well to the right of the people they represent in safe blue seats. Smith was an Iraq war supporter & is a centrist Democrat (& a New Democrat leader).

All 5 New Democrats in Washington should be wiped out. Going after Manchin & others are meaningless & a waste of time. It is actually useful to have some blue dogs in red seats but why have centrists in very progressive seats? Can you imagine the state which gave Bernie 70% of the primary vote has 50% of it's leaders as centrist New Democrats?


Anthony Clark, Illinois candidate has 3 MA's, is a military veteran, a teacher & is halfway through a Ph.d -

You can't seriously believe Pramila Jayapal is a "New Democrat."

Washington Delegation -

New Democrats -

Suzan Delbene (WA-01), Vice Chair New Democrats
Dennis Heck (WA-10)
Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Vice Chair New Democrats
Rick Larsen (WA-2)
Adam Smith (WA-9), Charter member New Democrats

Progressives -

Pramila Jayapal (WA-09) (Vice-Chair of Congressional Progressive Caucus)

Republicans -

Jaime Herrera Beutler - WA-03
Dan Newhouse - WA-04
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - WA-05
Dave Reichert - WA-08

Only Beutler will probably lose in 2018, rest 3 are in safe seats. One of the most progressive states where Sanders destroyed Clinton, should not have almost their entire Democratic congressional leadership as New Democrats. Go & have those in Alabama or Texas !

Only 1 progressive member out of 10 seats in Washington is absolutely not acceptable !

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Half of the members to Congress in WA are New Democrats, an ideological dinosaur faction who are well to the right of the people they represent in safe blue seats. Smith was an Iraq war supporter & is a centrist Democrat (& a New Democrat leader).

All 5 New Democrats in Washington should be wiped out. Going after Manchin & others are meaningless & a waste of time. It is actually useful to have some blue dogs in red seats but why have centrists in very progressive seats? Can you imagine the state which gave Bernie 70% of the primary vote has 50% of it's leaders as centrist New Democrats?


Anthony Clark, Illinois candidate has 3 MA's, is a military veteran, a teacher & is halfway through a Ph.d -

You can't seriously believe Pramila Jayapal is a "New Democrat."

Washington Delegation -

New Democrats -

Suzan Delbene (WA-01), Vice Chair New Democrats
Dennis Heck (WA-10)
Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Vice Chair New Democrats
Rick Larsen (WA-2)
Adam Smith (WA-9), Charter member New Democrats

Progressives -

Pramila Jayapal (WA-09) (Vice-Chair of Congressional Progressive Caucus)

Republicans -

Jaime Herrera Beutler - WA-03
Dan Newhouse - WA-04
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - WA-05
Dave Reichert - WA-08

Only Beutler will probably lose in 2018, rest 3 are in safe seats. One of the most progressive states where Sanders destroyed Clinton, should not have almost their entire Democratic congressional leadership as New Democrats. Go & have those in Alabama or Texas !

Only 1 progressive member out of 10 seats in Washington is absolutely not acceptable !

I'd hate to remind you that Hillary won the Washington primary (which doesn't count, but had more participants than the caucus).

Washington had a caucus for delegate allocation which Bernie won with more than 70%. And all the neighbouring states went to Bernie comfortably with Seattle having one of the highest per capita donation.

WA is a liberal blue state. Are we going to discuss Straw polls & meaningless entertainment primaries, might as well start discussing who won the NBC Washington Poll !

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Anyways new candidate (gay ex-military veteran, small-business owner Republican) -

Name - Danny Ellyson
District - Georgia - 08
Party primary - Republican
Race - White
Gender - Male

2016 Result -

Republican    Austin Scott           67.6%   173,983
Democratic   James Neal Harris   32.4%   83,225

About the candidate -

I am an Army veteran, a small business owner, and an Independent Republican. I was born in Warner Robins, Georgia and was blessed to be adopted at birth by a military family. I’ve been a military police officer and an active duty National Guard recruiter in Georgia (where I was promoted to Station Commander), as well as a career counselor for Soldiers. Two years ago I was diagnosed with medical conditions that lead to my medical retirement from the Georgia Army National Guard. I retired as a Sergeant First Class under honorable conditions

I moved into the private sector as a retail manager. It was exhausting, debilitating and demeaning work - and an eye-opener for me. It was the most miserable experience I have encountered while trying to raise my family. I founded a small family landscaping business back in my hometown of Warner Robins. I love running a small business that not only helps provide for my family, it also creates employment for our community in Houston County. I share the joy of my two children with my husband Nate, a nine-year old son and five year-old daughter. My husband Nate has dropped out of college in order to run the company and provide for our family while I make this bid for Congress.

https://brandnewcongress.org/Candidates/danny-ellyson