Released: September 3, 3008

BURLINGTON, VT – DemocracyForAmerica.com, our nation’s largest progressive political action community, has endorsed Garnet Lewis’ campaign for Michigan’s 98th State House District.  
 
“Garnet Lewis is an educator and community leader with the experience we need in the State House,” said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. “Garnet Lewis is not someone who sits on the sidelines.  She rolls up her sleeves, gets involved, and will be a champion for the working men and women of her district.” 
 
Garnet Lewis is a community leader with a long involvement in local grassroots politics.  She founded the Saginaw Area Democratic Club and subsequently has served as President.  In that capacity, she has been deeply involved in several successful Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts, including those of Governor Jennifer Granholm and State Representative Andy Coulouris.  Garnet also organized door to door activities to defeat Proposal 2 in 2006.  She is an elected Democratic Precinct Delegate. 
 
Garnet currently serves as the associate director for professional education at Central Michigan University and has worked in higher education for 24 years.  She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of North Texas, a master's degree from Northern Michigan University, and a bachelor's degree from Truman State University in Missouri. 
 
While Lewis's educational background, her professional expertise, and her service orientation uniquely suit her for political office, the central message of the campaign addresses education, economy, and healthcare-the three elements of a vital and growing society.  Garnet stresses that affordable higher education will ensure the vibrancy of Michigan's future economy. 
 
Democracy for America is a key endorsement in this race, bringing donations from progressives and providing volunteers to participate in door-to-door, grassroots outreach.  DFA has helped elect over 550 progressives to office from Governor Deval Patrick in Massachusetts to Rep. Donna Edwards in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District. 
 
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America,” said Garnet Lewis.  “As a DFA member, I have benefited from the great training opportunities and experienced first-hand the advantage of engaging in the political process at the grassroots level.” 
 
“Garnet Lewis knows that when citizens get involved to improve their communities and take back our country everyone benefits,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of DFA.  “Garnet Lewis is at the forefront of grassroots outreach and Democracy for America is proud to endorse her campaign.”

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