FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Progressive Dane
PO Box 1222
Madison, WI 53701

Contact:

Ald. Brenda Konkel, PD co-chair: 345-8720

Stephanie Rearick, PD co-chair: 255-1092

News Release
November 13, 2002

PROGRESSIVE DANE MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY

MADISON - Progressive Dane, Dane County’s own independent progressive political party, turns ten years old this month. The party will celebrate this momentous occasion with a party at the Madison Senior Center on Saturday, November 16.

On November 9, 1992, local organizations, including the Rainbow Coalition, National Organization for Women, Wisconsin Greens, Labor-Farm Party, New Party, and organized labor, officially signed on to a resolution to create an organization “to help coordinate the electoral activities of our various groups.”

Since the signing of this resolution, Progressive Dane has become one of the most successful independent political parties in the United States. In ten years, Progressive Dane has endorsed 104 candidates, 78 of whom have won office. In addition, Progressive Dane has led many successful issue campaigns, including the campaign for living wage ordinances for the city of Madison and Dane County.

Brenda Konkel, a co-chair of Progressive Dane and a Madison alderperson, said, “I don’t know if anyone realized 10 years ago just how successful Progressive Dane could be. We have shown, year after year, that a political party can stay true to its core values, operate democratically, hold its elected officials accountable, and be very effective.”

Currently, Progressive Dane has 16 endorsed elected officials on the Madison Common Council, Dane County Board of Supervisors and Metropolitan School Board. Progressive Dane is currently working for a sensible, health-based drug policy, fair and affordable housing (including a strong inclusionary zoning ordinance), smart growth, pesticide-free parks and schools, and clean elections. Last month, Progressive Dane endorsed Bert Zipperer for mayor of Madison. The party will be making endorsements for other city and county races in December and January.

Progressive Dane’s tenth anniversary party will take place at the Madison Senior Center (330 W. Mifflin St.) on Saturday, November 16, from 7-10 p.m. The party will feature music by Yid Vicious, food and a cash bar, and plenty of Progressive Dane history. Everyone is welcome to come and admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

Carol Weidel, a member of Progressive Dane since 1992, said, “Our 10^th anniversary party will truly be a celebration of our first ten years. It will be a chance for Progressive Dane members and friends to kick up their heels and have a good time—we’ve earned it!”

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