State Senator Beth Edmonds

Senate Majority Office

Contact: Michael Johnson or Ann Woloson; Senate Majority Office, 287-1515

Senator Beth Edmonds is "Hero For Democracy"

Freeport Senator Receives Award at National Conference in Washington D.C. this Weekend

AUGUSTA - State Senator Beth Edmonds (D-Cumberland County) of Freeport will receive a "Hero for Democracy" award at the Democracy USA conference in Washington D.C. on November 21-22.

Democracy USA is a broad coalition of over 75 pro-democracy organizations that have organized a major conference on the theme of Claiming Democracy: Securing, Enhancing and Exercising the Power of the Right to Vote. Democracy USA represents a diverse range of scholars, elected officials and national, state and local reformers and activists. Their focus: building a pro-democracy movement and strengthening the power of the right to vote. Conference supporters share a goal of reclaiming democracy for average Americans whose hopes and needs often go unnoticed by political leadership. Supporters call for a pro-democracy movement where the aspirations of American people are embraced. Opportunities for reform that emerge will be explored through greater coordination among national, state and local coalitions that share a common vision and are supported by stronger working relationships.

Chellie Pingree, Executive Director of Common Cause, a member of Democracy USA, will present Senator Edmonds with the award. "Senator Edmonds is a true hero for democracy," said Chellie Pingree, who added that "Sen. Edmonds is committed to making sure that working people have a strong voice and her support of campaign finance reform provides all Maine people with a better opportunity to move important, progressive policy issues forward."

"I'm thrilled that my work on behalf of Maine people is being recognized nationally as important. This only fuels my desire to keep working on issues important to the people I represent" said Senator Edmonds when asked about the significance of the award.

Senator Edmonds, who was reelected to a second Senate term last fall, was chosen to receive the "Hero for Democracy" award for her support of the Maine Clean Election Act. She is currently Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and serves as member of the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources. She is well respected for her endless support of the environment, workers rights, affordable housing, quality education, and for improving access to health care. Senator Edmunds holds a BA from Clark University and a MA from Goddard College. She serves as a member of numerous organizations including the Advisory Council for the Deaf, the Maine Law Library Board, the National Organization of Women, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Planned Parenthood. For more information about Senator Beth Edmunds visit the Maine Senate Web site at http://www.mainesenate.org/edmonds. For more information about Democracy USA, please visit http://www.democracyusa.org/internal.

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Michael R. Johnson
Senate Majority Office
Legislative Aide and Press Liaison
3 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-1528, Fax: (207) 287-1585
michael.johnson@legis.maine.gov
www.mainesenate.org