NEW YORK -- U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today became the 11th Member of Congress to endorse Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
Said Congressman Hinchey: "Howard Dean is the candidate who can energize Democratic voters and win back the White House. He has forcefully and eloquently opposed President Bush's policies, while offering clear alternatives. He was among the first to see through the Bush Administration's deceit in leading us into war with Iraq and he has consistently pointed out the failures of the Bush economic agenda.
"Governor Dean knows the importance of investing in our nation's infrastructure, protecting our natural resources and guaranteeing affordable health care for all Americans. I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy and will be working hard to make him our next president."
Said Governor Dean: "I am proud to have the support of Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Representing an area of New York State that has struggled economically under the policies of President Bush, Congressman Hinchey has fought hard for the economic security of working families.
"He has been an outspoken and articulate opponent of the administration's failed policy in Iraq. Maurice is a national leader on issues of workers' rights and environmental protection and he's currently leading the fight in the House against greater media consolidation. He has been a staunch proponent of Democratic values for more than three decades. It means a great deal to me to have the endorsement of someone with such outstanding credentials."
Maurice Hinchey represents the 22nd District of New York, which includes portions of the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes regions. He was first elected to Congress in 1992 after serving 18 years in the State Assembly. In 1998 he was elected to the House Appropriations Committee. He serves on the Interior and Agriculture subcommittees. He is a Regional Whip for New York State, responsible for developing legislative strategy with the House Democratic leadership.
He joins Reps. Neil Abercrombie, Bob Filner, Raúl Grijalva, Zoe Lofgren, Jim McDermott, Jerrold Nadler, Major Owens, Frank Pallone, and Tim Ryan, in addition to Vermont Senator Patrick J. Leahy, who have already endorsed Governor Dean.
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