Archive for November, 2009

For Immediate Release:  Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Portland, Maine — The California Young Democrats sent 35 young activists to Maine to strengthen the NO ON QUESTION 1 ground campaign to help gather support in favor of marriage equality.

Young Democrats from all across California campaigning in Maine are available to media for election day reaction.

In May, Maine became the fifth state to legalize same-sex marriage.  We cannot allow the right to same-sex marriage in Maine to fail, and that is why CYD has been and will always be committed to protecting the right of gays and lesbians to marry in this country. Young democrats are coming together and standing up against inequality and bigotry not just in the Golden State, but also across America.

In June 2008, the Executive Board of the California Young Democrats took the official stance of “Hell No” on Proposition 8, and since then have been actively involved with the campaign to earn equality for all.

“With skyrocketing college costs, cuts to public transportation, a flagging economy, and an endless war in  Iraq, it is outrageous to young people that the one thing they should be worried about is taking away the right for someone to marry the person they love,” said Alissa Ko, President of the California Young Democrats.  Ko continued, “I am proud to stand with the most diverse and progressive Generation in America’s history to say yes to fairness, and yes to marriage equality.”

About our Maine organizers:
John Vigna is a Legislative Aide for Asm John A. Perez and is the Founding Co-Chair of the Young Democrats Queer Caucus alongside Amanda Wallner, who is a student at UCSB and President of the UCSB Campus Democrats.

Jennifer Longley serves as Vice President of Membership for the CA Young Democrats and is a past President of the San Francisco Young Democrats. Jennifer is a field organizer who has worked for Senator Leno in his successful primary challenge to Carole Migden and directed the CA Democratic Party Bay Area Coordinated Campaign in 2008.

Allan Acevedo serves as CA Young Democrats South State Director and is a founding member and President of San Diego Stonewall Young Democrats.  He attends San Diego State University.