RECOMMENDATIONS - Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Virginia - Primaries - June 12, 2018
Recommendations For
Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Virginia - Primaries - June 12, 2018
Maine
Diane Russell – Governor – Fight Like A Girl!
Diane Russell grew up in a mobile home in Bryant Pond, Maine. Her dad is a flatbed truck driver for a paving company and her mother is a nurse. “I’m running for Governor to make the economy work for hard-working Mainers, like my parents,” says Diane. She knows how hard it is to get by because she’s been there. When she first ran for office, she was working behind the counter at her local, neighborhood convenience store earning $8 an hour.
As Governor, she’ll fight for the working families and rural Mainers who are getting left behind. She’ll fight for higher wages, affordable healthcare and to eradicate opioid addiction. She believes every child deserves a great education and that we must make a public college education universal, so our children can compete with the best in the world.
Diane served in the Maine House for eight years where she championed working families, many of whom have been left behind and forgotten in a system rigged for the elite. She was a key leader in reforming Maine’s political system as a long-time champion of Ranked Choice Voting.
Last year, she took on the DNC’s out-of-touch Superdelegate system on behalf of Sen. Bernie Sanders, where she delivered a powerful speech about the importance of fixing our broken political systems. She also led the fight to legalize marijuana, which will boost the economy all across Maine once the market rolls out.
“I fight for the people I met from behind the store counter. I fight for people like my parents who drive trucks and look after the sick. As Governor, I’ll fight every day for them to make their lives a bit easier by fighting to put more power back in their hands.”
Zak Ringelstein – US Senate - No Pacs or Lobbyists. Just People.
Leah and I were raised in rural, working-class homes a two-hour drive from where we live today by parents who lived their values as teachers and social workers. I was delivered on my kitchen floor by a rural doctor and Leah raised pet goats who often accompanied her into town. We wouldn't be who we are today if it weren't for what our churches, public schools, and communities taught us.
We were raised in tight-knit communities. What we were blessed with in our families and communities can't be bought; it must be tended and fought for. If our government is ever going to start doing what's right, it needs to actually represent the families and communities we were raised in. That's why I'm running.
Be Accountable to Your Neighbors, and Always Use Your Common Sense.
Chellie Pingree is a progressive Democrat representing Maine's First Congressional District in Congress. She is an outspoken advocate for women's reproductive rights, universal health care, reforming our food system against corporate greed, fighting climate change, ending Citizens United, and protecting seniors, veterans, and America's working families and the poor.
Jared was born in Lewiston and raised in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. After the September 11th attacks, he enlisted in the Marine Corps infantry and served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning home, Jared used his veteran’s benefits to attend Bates College.
He was first elected to represent Lewiston in the Maine House of Representatives in 2014, and in 2016, was chosen by his peers to serve as the Democratic Assistant Majority Leader.
Jared is an experienced Democratic leader with a record of standing up for middle- and working-class values. He has fought for expanded access to healthcare, stronger unions, fairer wages, cleaner energy, stronger environmental standards, and lower prescription medication costs for Maine’s seniors.
Jared continues to stand up for his community and his beliefs, and he has been able to deliver real results to the people he was elected to serve.
Nevada
Chris Guinchigliani – Governor - Making Nevada Work For Everyone
Chris Giunchigliani (Chris G.) is running for governor to build a Nevada that works for everyone, not just the well-connected few. And she knows that we can only do that by reaching out and listening to all Nevadans to come up with practical, meaningful solutions on critical issues like diversifying our economy, improving public education, access to mental health and protecting our environment.
Throughout her years working to make the Silver State a better place to live, raise a family and start a business, Chris has shown she has the drive, determination and proven record of results that we need in the governor’s office to move Nevada forward.
Bobby Mahendra – U.S. Senate - I'm Not From the Government. I'm Here to Help!
I am running to replace Dean Heller. Don't just hope for a better Nevada. Vote for one.
Made in America
- Born in New York, NY
- Raised in Houston, TX
- Resident of Las Vegas, NV
Democrat
- Non Establishment
- Fiscally Conservative
- Socially Liberal
Public School Educated
- Certified Public Accountant
- University of Texas at Austin
- Bachelor of Arts - Economics
- Master in Professional Accounting - Tax
Professional Experience
- Fortune 500 (13 Years)
- Entrepreneur
- Information Technology (2 Years)
- Business Owner & Investor (5 Years)
Rueben D'Silva – NV01 - Veteran – Teacher – Leader - Nevadan
Reuben is a teacher in the Clark County School District. He has dedicated his life to helping those in need, uplifting his community, and serving others as a U.S. Marine, a dedicated public school teacher, community organizer, church volunteer, public awareness speaker, and a civic intellectual.
As a lifelong public servant, Reuben has brought awareness to social and economic justice issues, and facilitated public discourse and exchanges between prominent leaders and community members on local as well as global issues; all in the hopes of stirring people to think and act on the issues.
Rick Shepherd – NV02 - Leadership and Honesty for Nevadans
My name is Rick Shepherd and I am running for Congress in 2018 to replace Mark Amodei. I am a progressive candidate and a proud Bernie Sanders supporter. Like Elizabeth Warren, I too am a former Republican. I grew up believing the Republican party represented blue-collar people, unions, and the environment.
Since Reagan, the aforementioned collars have gotten whiter and fewer in number, while unions have been weakened or outright replaced with Right-To-Work States. Most critically, I haven’t heard an honest word about climate change from the Republicans and we cannot afford to continue failing to address this monumental problem.
I am here to do something about it.
Michael Wiess – NV03 - Fighting For Nevada. Fighting For You!
I was born in Las Vegas, NV in 1982. My mother is a retired professor of education and my father is a retired dermatologist. As such, I’ve been exposed to the inner workings of education and medicine my entire life.
I attended public and private schools in Las Vegas, including Advanced Technologies Academy. I received my high school diploma from Horizon High School, one year ahead of my class.
I always did well in school academically, but I knew I was just a little different from the other kids. I struggled with communicating and interacting with my peers. My parents sought help for me, but it would not be until my late 20’s that I was correctly diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder).
As a millennial Democrat, I recognize the need for my generation to contribute to the betterment of this country. It is time for members of my generation to have our voices heard and respected in Washington DC.
Amy Vilela – NV04 - We Don't Have Time to Wait – We Need Bold Action Now
My life has been characterized by struggle and hard work. I was born in southern Maryland. My father, a tobacco-farmer- turned-union- iron-worker, and my mother divorced when I was nine years-old. Being raised by a single mother was my first introduction to the struggles of the less fortunate in America.
Two years ago, I learned just how fragile success can be, when I lost my daughter, Shalynne, to our profit-driven healthcare system. I thought I had finally achieved the American Dream, but it was all a facade.
Although my life has been full of struggle – and, more recently, tragedy – my experiences have strengthened my resolve. I wholeheartedly believe together we can transform America into the land of opportunity it has always promised to be.
I've been married to my husband, David, an immigrant and US Air Force Officer, for nine years. Together we are raising four beautiful children, instilling in them the very values on which I am running my campaign and which I intend to bring to Congress.
Robert Langford – Clark County D.A. - Justice is Not Something That Has a Price Tag
As an attorney, I have always believed that “Justice” is not something that has a price tag. It is something that we all are entitled to, not because of our bank account, but rather because of the US Constitution. Unfortunately, some prosecutors miss this.
As a Clark County Assistant District Attorney and a private attorney my actions have always been guided by these principals. I was awarded the Pima County (Tucson) Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for successfully working to obtain political asylum for an undocumented person who had fled Honduras. As an Assistant District Attorney in Clark County I was assigned to the Special Victims Unit and I prosecuted crimes against women and children.
I firmly believe that it is time that we elect a District Attorney who will stand up for the working men and women of Clark County and not just the wealthy and connected. It’s time we demanded more of a District Attorney and I am ready, willing and able to accept that challenge.
I would appreciate your vote on June 12, 2018.
South Carolina
Dimitri Cherny – SC01 - The American Radical Candidate, Thinking Outside the Box
My name is Dimitri Cherny and I'm running to replace Mark Sanford in Congress. I'm very concerned about the corrupting influence big money - billionaire money - is having on our politics, our government, our businesses and the bleak future it forebodes for our kids and grandkids.
After a long successful career in the high-tech industry, followed by a fall into homelessness and then truck driving after the great recession, I studied economics and learned that the free-market is not a law of nature. The free-market is a game with rules that we-the-people determine via legislation created by our elected representatives.
Mal Hyman – SC07 - Liberty and Justice For All
I have called South Carolina home for nearly 30 years, and have devoted that time to my family, my community, and the future of South Carolina through community service and teaching. I am running for Congress because I believe Congress has a responsibility to invest in America to create more jobs, opportunity, and security. I believe that every person in South Carolina has the right to be fully and equally represented in the eyes of the nation.
For 12 years, I have also taught government and economics at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Math, helping students understand the importance of civic engagement and economic policy. My book, “Covering High Treason: Media Coverage of the Assassination of President Kennedy.” will be available early 2018.
I live in Hartsville with my wife, Carole Holloway, an attorney with the Department of Social Services. We are the proud parents of two daughters, Geneva and Nicole. Geneva, a nurse, is married to Dr. Luke Baxley, formerly of Hartsville. They have one son, Davis. Our youngest daughter, Nicole, is a Senior in college with a double major in political science and sociology.
Justin T. Bamberg – HD90 Incumbent - The People's Representative
Justin Bamberg is an attorney and the State Representative for House District 90 (Bamberg, Barnwell, & Colleton Counties). #ThePeoplesRep
Virginia
Justin Santopietro – VA09 - Let's Make Washington Work For All of Us
Our great nation is in the midst of a great moral, economic, political, and environmental crisis. The country is divided in myriad ways- urban and rural, white collar and blue collar, religious and secular, thriving and struggling.
While some of these divisions are inevitable in a country of 330 million people, many of these divisions have been deliberately fueled by cynical and craven politicians, along with their strategists and donors.
I spent my past years in Washington, DC learning as much as I could about the realities of politics and policy- always with the goal of coming back home to represent and serve the people and places I love in my Southwest Virginia home.
As your US representative, I will fearlessly deploy my extensive governmental experience to make real improvements in the lives of Virginians and all Americans. My years in Washington helped me develop a thick skin and a realistic understanding of how the US government actually works.
Since I know the inside game and all the political tricks, I won’t be seduced or cajoled by any smooth-talking lobbyists or well-heeled donors.
Our country needs a new generation of smart, tough leaders who have fresh ideas about how to fix things. I have the experience, the ideas, and the tenacity to fight for Southwest Virginia in Congress-and make the powerful listen.
The time has come to get serious about Making our Government Work Again– for the middle class, for our children, and for the planet. I believe I have the skills, the temperament, and the character to do just that.
Bill Bunch – VA State Del D03 - Education – Healthcare – Jobs – Fighting For Southwest Virginia
Bill graduated from Elon College in 1971 with a major in history. The study of Southern, as well as World history opened his eyes to a more complete understanding of politics and government, thanks to the professors who encouraged him to look at issues from all sides and try to find the truth.
Currently he is a member of the Farm Bureau; Four Seasons YMCA; Tazewell Book Study; Virginia Rural Letter Carrier’s Union; Nature Conservancy; Natural Resources Defense Council; National Parks Association; Yellowstone Coalition; Friends of Yosemite; American Postal Workers Union; NARFE; and the League of Conservation Voters.
Bill is a progressive Democrat running for VA's 3rd district Delegate seat. As Delegate he will fight for good jobs and a better future for our children!