Press Release: Dallas Convention Wrap Up
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2007
Contact: Alexandra Acker
202-256-7183
YOUNG DEMOCRATS ELECT LEADERS FOR 2008 CAMPAIGN CYCLE
Edwards Calls Claims of Youth Apathy a “Great Lie”
Washington, DC – The Young Democrats of America (YDA) concluded their biennial convention in Dallas by electing a slate of leaders that will play a important role in organizing young voters to support Democrats up and down the ballot in the 2007 and 2008 elections.
“As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, the largest convention that Young Democrats of America has ever hosted has elected a group of diverse and dynamic young leaders from across the country that will work to continue the young voter revolution that is occurring in America,” said Alexandra Acker, Executive Director of YDA. “A new generation of young voters is embracing the Democratic Party in record numbers. Young voters should now be considered part of the base vote of the Democratic Party.”
On Saturday, David Hardt of Texas was elected President of the Young Democrats of America. Joining him as national officers are: Chris Anderson of Tennessee (Executive Vice President); Crystal Strait of California (Democratic National Committeewoman); Francisco Domenech of Puerto Rico (Democratic National Committeeman); A'shanti Fayshel Gholar of Nevada (Vice President); Omar Khan of Florida (Vice President); Josh Blevins of Arkansas (Vice President); Stephanie Hausner of New York (Secretary); and Amy Lewis of Virginia (Treasurer). These newly elected national officers join Board members Jody Buckley, Sasha Bruce, Veronica de la Garza, Vanessa Kerry, Orson Porter, and Paul Yandura as the governing Board of Directors for YDA. Young Democrats of America President David Hardt said, “I am pleased to be leading such a strong, dynamic, and diverse Board as we continue to grow YDA for the 2008 cycle and beyond.”
John Edwards addressed the Young Democrats on Friday evening saying, “It's a great lie in America," that young voters are apathetic. Young voter turnout numbers support this statement. In the 2006 election, voters ages 18-29 made up 21% of the electorate (41.9 million) and supported Democratic candidates by an impressive 58 percent – six points higher than voters as a whole. This same age group was the only age group that Democrats won in the 2004 election.
YDA is the largest youth-led partisan political organization that builds strong chapters and a solid youth voting bloc for Democrats nationwide. As the official youth arm of the Democratic Party, YDA mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influence the ideals of the Democratic Party and develop the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local and national level.
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