The local chapter of Democracy for America has endorsed Kirsten Gillibrand to run against John Sweeney in November's general election.

"We are excited to endorse Kirsten Gillibrand for Congress," said Kinderhook's Jo Anna Giltner, who coordinates the group with her husband, Phil Giltner. "In Democracy for America, we are concerned about the lack of fiscal responsibility and accountability in Washington. Twice in the last year we made appointments to meet John Sweeney and express our concern about Social Security and the War in Iraq. Each time we went to his office with over a dozen people from three counties, and each time he did not respond to our visit or to our petitions. We were very disappointed in this lack of interest in the concerns of his constituents. Kirsten, on the other hand, has taken the time to visit with our group, and showed us that she would be the kind of responsive member of Congress we deserve in the twentieth congressional district."

Democracy for America is a non-partisan group that encourages political participation from all Americans in order to build a healthier democracy and civil society. About a half million people are members of DFA nationwide, and
DFA: Columbia County is one of several DFA groups in the 20th Congressional District. Like them, DFA: Columbia County encourages candidates who support fiscally responsible, socially progressive government. In the Twentieth Congressional District alone, DFA has local link-up groups from Essex, Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Columbia, Rensselaer, Dutchess, Otsego and Delaware Counties.

DFA Columbia County has also sought to perform community service, having collected smoke detectors for the Hudson Fire Department to install in homes in Hudson. Membership is open to anyone interested in helping in their efforts and improving our democracy. Interested persons can learn more about
DFA: Columbia County at their website: http://www.dfalink.com/ ColumbiaCounty or email Phil Giltner