Congresswoman Edwards Sworn In

This afternoon Donna Edwards took the oath of office as Congresswoman of Maryland’s 4th Congressional District at the Capitol. She takes her position as the first African-American woman elected to Congress from the state of Maryland, and the first LCV Board member to be elected to Congress, serving on the boards of both LCV and the Maryland LCV.

At the swearing in of Donna Edwards, the House floor was filled with her colleagues, who stayed after an amendment vote to show their support for their newest member. She was hugged and greeted by members on both sides of the aisle, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and outgoing Rep. Al Wynn, who introduced her to the House and welcomed her into the Maryland delegation of representatives.

Above the floor, the public seating was packed with supporters of Donna Edwards who welcomed her into the room with waves and a standing ovation. She brought a message of change in her first words as Congresswoman. She vowed to be a representative to all walks of life and to start the job “with her sleeves rolled up and ready to work.”

Following her swearing in, she was greeted by the very supporters who stood by her throughout her campaign. The reception that she held in the Capitol was filled with the warmness of a jazz band, good food, and old friends.

As Donna Edwards begins her service to Maryland’s 4th district and the nation as a whole, she brings her leadership in energy and environmental issues to Congress and starts off the expansion to a pro-environment majority.

Using YouTube to Get Out the Environmental Message

Candidates are increasingly using YouTube, the popular video sharing website, to post advertisements that convey their political messages. Of the 20 candidates that LCV endorses, 12 of them use this online outlet to post ads that are accessible to an international audience.

Of the 12 who use YouTube to post general advertisements, half voice a pro-environment message! Six of our 20 mention their political stances in favor of eliminating America's reliance on foreign oil, taking care of natural resources, and using clean renewable energy to power the nation.

Mark Udall, in his ad "Stand", which aired on May 14th in Colorado, took a full spot to promote his energy solutions. To view video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZB41EcFGTUo

This trend is allowing citizens beyond the state and district voters to watch these ads and to understand the candidates' commitments to the environment.

Other videos to watch:
Jerry McNerney-http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q3WW2YD90i&feature=related
Donna Edwards- http://youtube.com/watch?v=0C3NIa2hrdk

Donna Edwards Victory Rally

Check out the highlights of the victory speech Donna Edwards gave at her campaign headquarters in Largo, Maryland last night:

Donna wins!

LARGO, MD – By choosing Donna Edwards in the Democratic primary for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District seat, voters here today overwhelmingly embraced a clean, renewable energy future and rejected corporate polluting interests and candidates that pander to Big Oil.

Edwards, an African-American woman and Democratic Party challenger in a densely populated suburban district, is committed to environmental values and has a willingness to lead on the most pressing issue of our generation: global warming. She received the strong support of the League of Conservation Voters and overcame long odds to claim victory in today’s Maryland primary.

Here are some photos from tonight's event:

Washington Post endorses Donna Edwards

The Washington Post writes:

TUESDAY'S DEMOCRATIC primary in Maryland's 4th Congressional District is a rematch of the 2006 contest between Rep. Albert R. Wynn and challenger Donna F. Edwards. In that face-off, just 17 months ago, Ms. Edwards, a civic activist running her first race for elective office, stunned Mr. Wynn and the state's Democratic Party establishment by coming within 3 percentage points of victory. It was Mr. Wynn's first close call since winning the seat in 1992, but Ms. Edwards's strong showing should not have come as a shock: She is a bright, tough-minded and well-funded candidate whose criticisms of the incumbent are mostly on target.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/08/AR2008020803520_pf.html

Donna Edwards Web Chat Transcript

Donna Edwards, an LCV-endorsed candidate for Maryland's 4th District Congressional District, went online at WashingtonPost.com yesterday to take questions about her election campaign.

A transcript is available at her website: click here

Help Elect Donna!

LCV and the Maryland League of Conservation Voters today announced endorsements of Donna Edwards in the race for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District seat.

“LCV is endorsing Donna Edwards for Congress because she has been an outstanding leader on the environment,” LCV President Gene Karpinski said. “Donna understands that addressing global warming and putting our country on track to a clean energy future needs to be at the top of Congress’ agenda.”

You can help: sign up today and go door-to-door in the 4th Congressional District educating voters about how Donna Edwards will be a champion for a clean energy future in America.