In other Senate News—Barack Obama will be the Keynote Speaker at the Democratic National Convention!
From the campaign:
Obama to Speak Tuesday Evening, July 27
Washington, DC- The Kerry-Edwards campaign announced today that Barack Obama, Illinois state senator and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, will deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, July 27.
?Barack is an optimistic voice for America and a leader who knows that together we can build an America that is stronger at home and respected in the world,? said Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry. ?He understands the importance of building an economy that lifts up families and expands opportunity, and I?m honored that he has accepted the invitation to deliver the keynote address.?
?I am honored and humbled to deliver the keynote address at this year?s Democratic National Convention and look forward to sharing with America the hopes and dreams of so many people throughout Illinois that I have met during this campaign,? said Obama. ?America is excited about the new direction our country can take under the leadership of John Kerry and John Edwards, and I am ready to work with them to make it happen.?
Obama will talk about his hope for America and the new direction for this country the Kerry-Edwards ticket offers. He will speak to the need for a stronger America that puts jobs, families and communities first. He will also highlight the importance of Americans dedicating their lives to serving their community and their country.
?Barack Obama is an accomplished public servant and a leader in the Democratic Party,? said Alice Huffman, DNCC Chairwoman. ?He is addressing the most diverse convention in Democratic party history. The breadth and diversity of the delegates to this year?s national convention demonstrates the broad appeal of the Kerry-Edwards ticket.?
Like John Kerry, Barack Obama has spent a lifetime fighting for working families. As a civil rights attorney, community organizer, and leader in the Illinois State Senate he has served America as an innovative leader, bringing new solutions, shared values and an optimistic vision. Obama was the driving force behind a state Earned Income Tax Credit, which has provided over $100 million in tax cuts to working families, reformed welfare, extend health coverage to uninsured children and families, and brought down the cost of prescription drugs for seniors.
According to statistics compiled by the Democratic National Committee, 39.1 percent of the 4,341 delegates to this month?s Convention in Boston are minorities. More African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans, and Hispanics will attend the Convention than ever before.