Burnt Orange Report

Courage Wins DFA Endorsement

By Karl-Thomas Musselman

Soon to be announced by Democracy for America, I'd like to let y'all know that John Courage has won DFA's first 2006 endorsement. Following in the footsteps of another Texan, Richard Morrison who was propelled to national recognition after winning DFA's first 2004 endorsement, I'd like to thank all of you who voted and came together across Texas to support one of our own.

From the Courage Campaign...

"There’s been an overwhelming response in Central Texas to my call for reining in the budget deficit, developing an exit-strategy for Iraq, restoring ethics to Congress and supporting policies that meet the needs of mainstream working families, not just millionaires and Tom DeLay," explained Courage. "The local excitement about a change in Congress produced a win this week and will carry me to victory next November."

Courage defeated 60 other Congressional candidates in two rounds of voting on the DFA website. DFA recently supported Iraq Veteran Paul Hackett, a Democrat who nearly won a special Congressional election in a Republican-dominated district in Ohio. DFA’s endorsement of Courage signals that his race against Lamar Smith will be second in national attention only to the Nick Lampson’s campaign against Tom DeLay in Texas.

Courage, who has served as a member of the U.S. Air Force, a teacher, church youth group leader and elected official, announced his candidacy last week during a tour of Bexar, Blanco, Comal, Hays, and Travis Counties.

"This shows that Texans really are fed up with Tom DeLay disciples like Lamar Smith. Democratic, Republican and independent voters here have told me they want a change in Congress," stated Courage. "This national endorsement is one more step towards delivering that change."

From the DFA release...

Today, Democracy for America (DFA) announced their first congressional endorsement of 2006 -- John Courage for the 21st District of Texas -- making him the newest member of the DFA-List, Candidates for America.

"John Courage is the ideal candidate to be named as the DFA Grassroots All-Star. He encompasses the true spirit of grassroots democracy and is fighting to restore honesty and integrity to our government and to the people of Texas," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "He will bring new vision and new leadership to both the state of Texas and our nation's capital. I am excited to extend the first DFA-List endorsement of 2006 to Courage for Congress."

"I am excited and appreciative of the honor of having been voted DFA's first Grassroots All-Star for the November 2006 Campaign," said Courage. "We have a great challenge facing us in changing the course of America next year, but with the continued united efforts we've shown in Paul Hackett's campaign in Ohio, and now coming to fruition in our campaign in Texas, it is obvious the momentum has shifted and 2006 will be a great year for DFA and candidates across the country."