Pick a Progressive Patriot: House I - 2006 Meet the Candidates Here are the eleven Congressional candidates nominated by the grassroots and selected by Senator Feingold by the Progressive Patriots. All are fighting for our values in open districts or districts currently held by Republicans.   Francine Busby A dynamic public official and innovative community leader, Francine Busby has built an impressive record of public service. As a school board member, she handled fiscal crises and worked to make Cardiff Schools among the most fiscally and academically sound in California. She managed her community’s school bond measures because she believes every child deserves a quality education. In business and non-profit ventures, Francine has a reputation for listening to people and getting things done. http://www.busbyforcongress.com/ Chris Carney Chris Carney is a veteran of multiple foreign military operations, a Lt. Commander in the Naval Reserve, and an Associate Professor at Penn State, teaching U.S. security policy and international relations. Chris faces scandal-plagued republican incumbent Don Sherwood in the Pennsylvania 10th. Chris believes that, as each additional Iraqi battalion becomes operationally independent, an American battalion should come home. Chris wants to make Washington get serious about national security, healthcare, Social Security, and energy reform. http://www.carneyforcongress.com/     John Courage John Courage is a veteran, teacher, union member and family man, whose name embodies what Americans are looking for in their congressman – the courage to insist that mainstream America’s values, not Tom DeLay’s, be represented in Washington; the courage to stand with ordinary working families and small businesses against corporate special interests; the courage to change government as usual, to stand for leadership based on honesty, integrity and shared responsibility. John is a Public School teacher. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He was elected to and appointed to public offices in Texas. He is a long time Democratic Party activist and member or supporter of Democracy for America, MoveOn, Common Cause, People for the American Way, Planned Parenthood, NAACP, ACLU and Human Rights Campaign. John is married with four children. Remember, at times like these Congress needs Courage! Visit TEAM COURAGE at www.courageforcongress.org! Brad Ellsworth Brad Ellsworth is currently the Sheriff of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Brad received a bachelor’s degree from University of Southern Indiana and a Master’s from Indiana State. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. During a 23-year career at the Sheriff’s Department, Brad has held every merit rank, and was twice decorated for heroism in the line of duty. Brad is 47 years old and has been married for 23 years to his college sweetheart, Beth. They have a daughter, Andrea who is a sophomore at Indiana University http://www.ellsworthforcongress.com/     Nick Lampson Nick Lampson embodies the mainstream values and middle-class work ethic of southeast Texas, where his family’s roots run deep and the future still plays out against a wide horizon of hope. From local office to the U.S. Congress, Lampson has demonstrated that authenticity and straightforward leadership still have the capacity to make a difference in people’s lives. In 1996, Lampson was elected to the first of four terms in the U.S, Congress, where he became known as an international leader on economic development, mental health, senior and veteran’s issues, and initiatives to protect children. A graduate of Lamar University, Lampson holds a masters in higher education administration and has worked as a public school teacher and a college instructor. He and his wife Susan have two grown daughters, three grandchildren, and are active members of their church http://www.lampson.com/  Patricia Madrid Patricia Madrid won her first election at age 30, when she became the first woman elected to the District Court Bench in New Mexico. In 1998 she became the first woman elected Attorney General of the State of New Mexico, and in 2002 she was reelected in a landslide. As the chief law enforcement officer for New Mexico, Patricia Madrid made prosecuting violent crimes against women and children, consumer protection, and environmental protection her top priorities. As a Congressional candidate, Patricia Madrid stands for stronger communities, safer citizens, and a more prosperous and fair state and nation for everyone. http://www.madridforcongress.com/      Lois Murphy In 2004, Lois Murphy was the closest Democratic Congressional challenger in the country, coming within 6400 votes (51%-49%) of defeating Tom DeLay-clone Jim Gerlach in Pennsylvania. In July, Senator Russ Feingold and Murphy held a town hall meeting in Pennsylvania where over 75 voters came to hear our message on restoring fiscal responsibility and ethics, spreading economic prosperity and protecting a woman’s right to choose. With your help, this year we will defeat Jim Gerlach. You can learn more about Lois Murphy at www.loismurphy.org Coleen Rowley An FBI Agent/Minneapolis Division legal counsel, in 2002 Coleen Rowley exposed some of the FBI’s pre 9-11 lapses. In February 2003, Rowley publicly warned the FBI Director and Administration officials that war on Iraq would prove counterproductive. Also, she has repeatedly spoken out against many of the Bush administration’s mistaken responses in the “war” on terrorism including aspects of the Patriot Act. Retired from the FBI in 2004, Rowley has since lectured nationwide on ethical decision-making. July 2005, she announced her candidacy for Minnesota’s Congressional District 2. http://www.coleenrowley.com/      Heath Shuler Successful businessman Heath Shuler was runner up for the 1993 Heisman Trophy and was the #3 overall pick in the 1994 NFL draft. Following his football career, Heath started Heath Shuler Real Estate, which now has more than 250 employees. Heath is active in many civic organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Friends of the Smokies. The Heath Shuler Foundation provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Heath enjoys hunting and raising Labrador Retrievers. He and his wife Nikol have two young children. http://www.heathshuler.com/  Tim Walz Tim Walz has dedicated his life to serving his country. Command Sergeant Major Walz has a proven record of leadership and dedicated service as a 24 year veteran in the Army National Guard, a high school teacher, and a director of student exchanges to China. Married to Gwen since 1994, Tim became a doting father to Hope in 2001. Tim wants to serve his county as the next Congressman from Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District! Tim’s website is www.timwalz.org      Peter Welch As President Pro Tem of the Vermont Senate, Peter Welch has seen first hand the damage done by Republican leadership in Washington. He is running for Bernie Sanders’ vacated seat to bring needed change to Congress. Peter has spent his life in public service, fighting discrimination in Chicago and serving as a legislative leader, lawyer and advocate for the under-represented. In Washington, Peter will advocate for the same priorities he has in Vermont: universal health care, fair fiscal policy, environmental protection and energy independence. Peter’s website is www.welchforcongress.com.