Independent Pennsylvanians (IP), an association of independent voters formed in 2004 will endorse Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor, at a press conference June 23rd. IP is the local affiliate of the Committee for a Unified Party (CUIP), a national nonpartisan strategy center for independent voters.
Recent polls show 35% of Americans identify as independents, more than Republican (32%) or Democrat (31%). In Pennsylvania, where Democrats and Republicans are evenly represented in the electorate, independent-minded voters can make the difference in an election. These voters are increasingly looking for candidates who adopt their positions on electoral reform issues. Russ Diamond is such a candidate.
"The surge in voters becoming more independent and the demand for genuine political reform go hand in hand," said Jenn Bullock, founder of Independent Pennsylvanians. "Independent voters want political reform. They want a restructuring of the political process to revitalize democracy, to make it more energized, to give the American people more direct political control over policymaking and over government. And Independent Pennsylvanians supports Russ Diamond's efforts on these issues."
Diamond's support for IP's Independent Bill of Rights, which consists of a demand for nonpartisan elections, statewide initiative and referendum, and nonpartisan redistricting, factored into the endorsement decision. "I am pleased to accept the endorsement of Independent Pennsylvanians," said Diamond. "Together we will work to end the culture of arrogance and greed from Harrisburg and help Pennsylvanians get their government back by continuing to push for reforms in the political process."
Diamond started "PACleanSweep" in July, 2005 in response to the infamous pay raise enacted by the Pennsylvania state legislature. Diamond was awarded last March the "Golden Dot" for Best PAC or Non-Partisan Internet Campaign of 2005 by George Washington University's Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet. In July, 2006 he will receive an award from PA Common Cause for his efforts.
The press conference will be held in Philadelphia on Friday, June 23rd at 12:00 noon on the Front Lawn of the Constitution Center, Market and 6th Streets, Philadelphia, PA.
ON THE WEB Committee for a Unified Independent Party http://www.cuip.org
RUSSDIAMOND.ORG http://www.russdiamond.org
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6/20/06 Contact: Jennifer Bullock
Tel: (215) 957-5073
Email: jbullock1@comcast.net
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