Democrats Poised for November Victories

Manchin Congratulates North Carolina, Indiana Candidates

WASHINGTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adding to the excitement of the presidential primaries, North Carolina and Indiana Democrats came out in record numbers to choose their gubernatorial candidates. With historic turnout, they showed their confidence in Democratic leadership at the state and federal levels.

Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair Gov. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) today congratulated the winners of the gubernatorial primaries, who are the first female candidates for Governor in each state's history. He assured North Carolina Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Indiana's Jill Long Thompson that the DGA stands firmly behind them as they begin their paths to victory in November.

"Bev Perdue and Jill Long Thompson are outstanding candidates who have what it takes to win in November," Gov. Manchin said. "After these hotly-contested primaries, Bev and Jill are stronger, and Democrats are coming together to offer them steadfast, enthusiastic support."

Perdue is positioned to continue North Carolina's long history of Democratic Governors. The state has elected only two Republican Governors in the past 100 years.

"Bev Perdue has the know-how and the vision to take North Carolina to the next level," Gov. Manchin said. "North Carolinians are well-accustomed to innovative, results-oriented Democratic Governors, and Bev is on track to be their next one."

DGA Executive Director Nathan Daschle, commenting on the Republican nominee, added, "If Pat McCrory is unable to tackle Charlotte's tough issues, like crime and public safety, how can he tackle tough issues that all North Carolinians face? Fortunately, North Carolinians have a far better alternative: Bev Perdue."

In Indiana, Long Thompson will mount a strong challenge against Gov. Mitch Daniels in the fall. A poll released last week by the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics showed that 55 percent of voters think the state is on the wrong track, making it a prime pick-up opportunity for Democrats.

"Jill Long Thompson represents the promise of positive change and offers Hoosiers an opportunity to get the state moving in the right direction," Gov. Manchin said. "Hoosiers are ready for a Governor who puts them first and tackles the issues most important to them. Jill is poised to be that Governor."

"Hoosiers are considerably worse off under Mitch Daniels than they were four years ago," Daschle added. "Property and sales taxes are significantly up, while personal income is significantly down. The state is hemorrhaging good-paying jobs, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. Jill Long Thompson offers Hoosiers the promise of real, positive change and the opportunity to put Indiana back on track."

Gov. Manchin concluded, "Candidates like Bev Perdue and Jill Long Thompson remind us why there are successful Democratic Governors in every corner of the country. They are sharply focused on getting results and passionately dedicated to improving the quality of life for the citizens of their states."

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Source: Democratic Governors Association

CONTACT: Brian Namey of Democratic Governors Association,
+1-202-772-5620 (o), +1-202-374-0002 (c)

2008-05-07 18:29:28 0355890 PRNEWSWIRE