Pick A Progressive Patriot: House III - 2006 These are the candidates featured in Senator Feingold's sixth "Pick a Progressive Patriot" event.  After reading their bios, be sure to go vote for your favorite candidate. Tim Barnwell Tim Barnwell brings crucial skills to the battle for Progressive leadership in Congress.  He's run a small business; knows how to meet payroll and make tough fiscal decisions. He's an experienced mediator and negotiator, trained in alternative dispute resolution.  A lifelong learner, Tim finished his MBA while working as a teacher. He knows first hand the challenges we face in education.  He'll bring his zeal for mastering new subjects and in-depth knowledge of the issues to the job of representing the people - not special interests - of Texas' 26th District.  He vows he'll keep a banner above his desk: "NOT FOR SALE." Barnwell is a long-time Democrat, Precinct Chair, associate member of the American Bar Association in Dispute Resolution and member of the Center for Latin American Economics. Tim and Beverly, his wife of 26 years, have two grown sons and live in Providence Village with their two dogs. You can visit Tim online at http://www.barnwellforcongress.com/   Phyllis Busansky Phyllis Busansky was first elected in 1988 to the Hillsborough County Commission as a reform candidate. As a Commissioner, she spearheaded an effort to create an indigent healthcare program that gained national acclaim and saved local taxpayers $100 million in its first four years (See 8/4/06 Bloomberg.com). Phyllis served as the first Executive Director of Florida's welfare-to-work agency under Governors Lawton Chiles and Jeb Bush. She developed the agency's overall strategy, had fiscal responsibility for the program, and oversaw 24 local coalitions charged with implementing reform at the community level. This $1.2 billion program was recognized nationally for its ability to move people into productive jobs and reducing the welfare rolls by 80%. She currently has her own healthcare consulting business and is a faculty member with Columbia University's Executive Master of Public Health program. Phyllis is happily married with three wonderful children and 9 grandchildren. For more information – http://www.busansky2006.com/   David Gill Dr. David Gill is the epitome of a true "Progressive Patriot." A devoted father, husband, and physician, David is running for the Illinois 15th Congressional seat because he has had enough of the current administration's backward policies.  David is a rural emergency room physician who will fight to make healthcare the birthright of every American, and he has never been afraid to speak out against the Iraq travesty.  There are so many other things that Congress fails to address – the budget, internet neutrality, fair trade, the middle class economy, etc. – which David Gill will work hard to remedy. Most of all, David will bring integrity and common sense back to Congress.  Because he is running to fight for you, his campaign has raised 92% of its funds from ordinary citizens while keeping to within 63% of his opponent's fundraising. You can visit David online at http://www.gill2006.com   Jim Hansen Jim Hansen is running a different kind of campaign. He has worked for 10 years at the grassroots level to get big money out of politics and knows the time is right to take his fight to the next level. By limiting campaign contributions to $100 from individuals only, he has so far inspired more than 1,000 people to donate and is energizing volunteers throughout the district. A former state legislator, Jim is no stranger to progressive battles. He entered politics in 1988 by unseating an 18-year incumbent who was House Majority Leader but out of touch with voters. The election is no different. Jim's opponent is a four-term incumbent focused more on climbing the ranks of GOP leadership than serving his constituents. Jim is finding that most voters have never seen the incumbent and many don't know his name. Like most Americans, Idahoans are frustrated and ready for change." Visit Jim on the web at http://jimhansenforidaho.com   Larry Kissell Progressive challenger Larry Kissell is running for Congress in North Carolina's 8th District, a Democratic majority district which has the highest Democratic Performance of any district in the South currently held by a Republican.  Larry became a school teacher five years ago after a 27-year career in the local textile industry. Larry's calling to help people and populist message ring true with the hard working families he seeks to represent.  The economy, education and environment are hallmark concerns of this predominantly Democratic district and cornerstones of Larry's positive vision for the future of America. Larry has his multi-millionaire opponent on the run with newly energized voters connecting to his innovative campaign through non-traditional outreach and events, like selling gas for $1.22 per gallon, the price when his opponent took office. Kissell, a Wake Forest economics graduate, is the immediate past Chair of the Montgomery Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, two-time past President of the Biscoe Lions Club and a life member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church. An avid cyclist, Kissell has logged over 33,500 miles since 1997. He and his wife Tina have two teenage daughters. Visit Larry online at http://www.larrykissell.com/   Chris Murphy Chris Murphy is the Democratic candidate for Congress in Connecticut's Fifth District.  Murphy has served eight years in the Connecticut General Assembly, the past four as Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee.  His work there has been guided by his fundamental belief that everyone -- regardless of income, race, employment status or ethnicity -- deserves quality, affordable health care.  Murphy has passed an impressive array of important legislation advancing public health, including Connecticut's workplace smoking ban.  He also authored bills prohibiting hospitals from using overly aggressive collection practices against uninsured patients; expanding prescription drug access for the uninsured; and increasing whistleblower protections for hospital employees.  And in 2005, Murphy wrote and passed Connecticut's landmark stem cell investment act, providing $100 million in public funds for stem cell research to help find treatments for diseases like Parkinson's, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Murphy is challenging 24-year incumbent Nancy Johnson.  Johnson authored the disastrous Medicare Part D program, and Murphy has committed to making reform of that program his first priority when elected.  Johnson is extremely vulnerable, and with his aggressive campaign and positive message of change, Murphy is perfectly positioned for a win in November. Visit Chris online at http://www.murphyforcongress.org     Patrick Murphy Patrick wants to bring change to Washington – because if you want to change Washington, you need to change who you send to Washington. Patrick Murphy is a leader of character. He is an Iraq War veteran, former West Point professor, criminal prosecutor, and most importantly, a good family man. Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia – the youngest of three to a Philadelphia police officer and career legal secretary – he learned at an early age that hard work, sacrifice, and focus will lead you to achieve your dreams.  He now lives in Bristol with his wife, Jennifer Murphy, a tax attorney born and raised in Lower Makefield. Visit Patrick online at http://www.murphy06.com/   Ed Perlmutter Ed Perlmutter was raised and has lived in the 7th Congressional District his whole life.  Ed attended public schools in Jefferson County, where he and his wife are raising their three daughters.  Working as a laborer on construction projects, Ed put himself through law school and eventually became a State Senator where he led the fight for Democratic control in 2000.  John Kerry asked Ed to chair his presidential campaign in Colorado and in addition to Kerry, Ed has the support of teachers, firefighters and labor organizations.  Ed Perlmutter's vision and leadership make him our most powerful voice for CHANGE in November! Visit Ed online at http://www.perlmutter2006.com/   Joe Sestak Born and raised in Delaware County, former 3-star Vice Admiral Joe Sestak is running for Congress in Pennsylvania's 7th District – a District where he grew-up (along with his 7 siblings); voted throughout his military career, and recently returned home to after completing his military service to our country. Joe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and spent the last 31 years serving in the U.S. Navy.  He led a series of operational commands at sea, including Commander of the George Washington Aircraft Carrier Battle Group (30 U.S./allied ships, 100 aircraft and over 15,000 sailors) that conducted combat operations in Afghanistan and precursor operations to the war in Iraq.  After 9/11, Joe was the first Director of "Deep Blue," the Navy's anti-terrorism unit for the "Global War on Terrorism."  Joe also served as President Clinton's Director for Defense Policy at the National Security Council in the White House.  Between tours of duty at sea, he earned a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. Joe's career certainly qualifies him to speak with authority on defense security, but his work with sailors has given him a profound sense of domestic issues as well.  His message is simply that National Security begins at home, in the health, education and economic security of our citizens -- but that these securities are being eroded by the policies of this Congress and Administration.  Joe saw in the military how people are willing to make great sacrifices and can make great accomplishments when we invest in their individual security.  He recognizes that our national treasure is truly in the health, education, and economic promise of our people. Visit Joe online at www.sestakforcongress.com   Nancy Skinner Nancy, after receiving her business degree from the University of Michigan, decided to use her business skills to promote environmentally sustainable development.  In 1993 she was honored by President Clinton's Council on Sustainable Development for her work in rebuilding several communities affected by the Midwestern floods.  After starting her own progressive radio talk show in 1998, she has been a regular commentator on CNN, MSNBC and the Fox News Channel.  In her bid for the 9th congressional district of Michigan, she has received the endorsement of Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, the AFL-CIO and the National Organization for Women. Visit Nancy online at http://www.nancyskinner.campaignoffice.com/index.asp   Carol Voisin Carol Voisin is running a progressive, all-volunteer campaign in Oregon's huge, mostly-rural Second District.  Carol has worked in both academic and business settings with a focus on helping minorities and older Americans develop skills necessary for success in the workplace.  She currently teaches ethics and critical thinking skills at Southern Oregon State University.  Her opponent is rubber-stamp Republican Greg Walden, who votes with his party 94% of the time.  He is heavily funded by pharmaceutical, oil, gas, and agribusiness interests and has a 40 to 1 financial advantage over her in the race. Carol is running to give a voice to Oregonians who watch the problems in their communities get worse while the Republican Congress does nothing.  OR-2 is rated a 'safe' Republican seat, but Carol is an excellent candidate who has been tirelessly campaigning throughout the district, exposing Walden's voting record and attracting grassroots support wherever she goes. Visit Carol online at http://www.voisinforcongress.com/   Patty Wetterling  Patty Wetterling is a child safety advocate and the Democratic congressional candidate in Minnesota's 6th District. In 1989, Patty's 11-year-old son, Jacob, was abducted by a masked gunman. The search for Jacob launched Patty on a career as an advocate for children. Patty has traversed the nation lobbying presidents and influential Beltway politicians on child safety legislation. She has worked across party lines and helped to pass more legislation than many members of Congress, including the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Sex Offender Registration Act, Megan's Law and the Amber Alert system. Now, Patty wants to advocate for all of America's vulnerable citizens, especially folks in the middle class. In Congress, she will support legislation that eases the burden off of working families and will fight to improve our health care, education and transportation systems. Patty knows how to get things done, and in Congress she will be a strong voice for America's children and families. Visit Patty online at http://www.pattywetterling.com/ Be sure you vote today for your favorite Progressive Patriot!