Besse Endorsed for Lt. Gov.

NEWS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2007













NC PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS ENDORSE BESSE FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR


The Progressive Democrats of North Carolina (PDNC) voted today to endorse Dan Besse for Lieutenant Governor. Besse won the endorsement by vote of the PDNC membership at its annual meeting, with 72 per cent in favor of Besse and 28 per cent supporting other candidates.

"Democrats are looking for the candidate best prepared to speak for equal opportunity, environmental stewardship, and justice for all," said Besse. "I've been telling folks that I am the progressive Democrat with the record to prove it. I thank the Progressive Democrats for putting the exclamation point on that statement."

Besse is a two-term Winston-Salem City Council Member with more than 20 years of experience on state policy-making boards, especially in the areas of environment, health, and natural resources. He is an attorney with extensive service providing legal aid to the poor and to non-profit groups working for clean air and water, and health care.

Three of the four announced Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor responded to the PDNC issue questionnaire and participated in the forum. PDNC members voted to endorse Besse after hearing candidate presentations followed by a question and answer period.

PDNC was organized in 2004 to promote economic, social, and environmental justice in North Carolina through the democratic process. It has multiple county chapters and members across the state.


The PDNC endorsement process was open, detailed, and involved a painstaking examination of candidates' records, priorities, and positions. The process included

Hearing from the candidates at the previous PDNC annual meeting in Asheville in December 2006.
Hearing from candidates at PDNC chapter meetings.
Reviewing the candidates' responses to a 20-part questionnaire covering education, environment, energy, health care, criminal justice, economic opportunity, race relations, and other topics.
Hearing from and questioning candidates at a live forum today in Chapel Hill.
A vote by the PDNC membership following the forum.