Press Room

June 5, 2006

SHULDINER RECEIVES KEY ENDORSEMENT
FROM VASSAR DEMS

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – The Vassar College Democrats have officially endorsed Ben Shuldiner in the race to unseat incumbent Republican Sue Kelly.

Heading toward an important primary election in September, the Vassar Democrats represent an important body of support in 19th Congressional District of New York. An active organization with almost 500 members, the Vassar Democrats have the ability and presence to engage students on campus, in Poughkeepsie, and across the district. The Vassar Democrats will also help Shuldiner collect the signatures necessary to get on the Democratic primary ballot.

“We spent a great deal of time meeting with the candidates and discussing the issues and their campaigns," said Kari Kretch, President of the Vassar College Democrats. "While they all want to beat Sue Kelly, we found that Ben has the energy, enthusiasm, and appeal necessary to rally the voters. Ben has a great grasp of the issues and defies many of the negative stereotypes about Democrats. He also has the charisma needed to defeat Sue Kelly, and I can't emphasize that enough.”

“We considered each of the candidates carefully and, while they all closely aligned on the issues, we decided that Ben is the best candidate to unseat Kelly," said Alison Lotto, Vice President of the organization. "Some people might assume that we endorsed Ben because of his age, but that wasn't even a factor. He appeals to the broadest section of voters and you need that appeal to win this district.”

In the past, the Vassar College Democrats have increased awareness of Democratic issues by canvassing throughout the Hudson Valley, lobbying in Washington with the Human Rights Commission on civil rights issues, and bringing local SEIU representatives to their campus to raise awareness of local labor issues.

Shuldiner personally appreciates the spirit and activism readily apparent on the Vassar campus. He is acutely aware of the impact of young voters who are too often mistakenly dismissed as apathetic.

“It is always inspiring to encounter young people who are passionately engaged in the issues and our political process,” said Shuldiner. “I am honored to have the support of the Vassar College Democrats, and look forward to working with them as the campaign progresses.”

Ben Shuldiner is the founder and principal of Brooklyn's High School for Public Service and the winner of the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service. Shuldiner is running for Congress in the 19th Congressional District of New York, which includes portions of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties and all of Putnam County. Learn more at http://www.Ben2006.com.

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