Democrats 2000: 50 Candidates Age 40 and Younger Deserve Support
2005 "Recommended List" is Largest, Diverse Compilation of Younger Generation Candidates
Jamesburg, NJ - With nearly a month remaining until Election Day, Democrats 2000 announced its annual “Recommended List� of candidates age 40 and under. The Recommended List is a roster of candidates age 40 and under seeking elected office on the local, county, and state level and who will be promoted by Democrats 2000 for support by younger generation voters.

“The 2005 Recommended List represents the depth and diversity of the Democratic Party. It is truly remarkable that we are able to support so many younger generation candidates who cut across all cultural boundaries on every level of elected office,� said Steve Lenox, president of Democrats 2000. “In years past, a wide-range of candidates whom we have supported in the infancy of their political careers have risen to significant heights.

“The Recommended List has traditionally served as a handbook of sorts for Democrats 2000 members looking to lend a hand in important races that offer an outstanding chance for victory for younger generation candidates,� Lenox added. “We are proud of the Class of 2005, and look forward to working with each of them in their election bids and beyond.�

For the fourth consecutive year, Democrats 2000 has surpassed its fundraising expectations allowing the organization to offer unprecedented support to this year's Recommended List candidates. In 2005, Democrats 2000 will contribute more than $50,000 to Democratic races across the state. Furthermore, members of Democrats 2000 are encouraged to focus their support on Recommended List candidates and volunteer their time to their campaign efforts. The 2005 Recommended List can be viewed in its entirety online at www.democrats2000.com.

Assemblyman David Mayer, 38, who is a second-time Recommended List candidate in the 4th Legislative District, expressed appreciation for the continued support of Democrats 2000.

“I am very grateful for the continued support of an organization that works so hard to get young people involved in government and politics. We must work hard at promoting Democratic values and ideas to the next generation of leaders in the State of New Jersey and Dems 2000 has done a fantastic job,� said Mayer.

During recent years, Democrats 2000 Recommended List candidates have included congressional nominees, state Senate and Assembly candidates, as well as a wide variety of county and municipal incumbents and challengers. Since 2002, 25 out of 32 Recommended List members have been successfully elected to office.

“Democrats2000 is clearly committed to supporting a broad range of young, progressive candidates. As a young woman running in my first race, I am extremely excited and grateful to have the support of Democrats2000 because I know their support is crucial in our tough race to elect progressives, like myself, for the people of Morris County,� said Dana Wefer, 23, first-time Morris County Freeholder candidate.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the support of Democrats 2000,� commented Jun Choi, 34, candidate for Mayor of Edison Township. As a firm believer that Edison and New Jersey will be stronger if the Democratic Party renews itself by empowering a new generation of elected officials focused on issues, I will continue to support the mission of Democrats 2000.�

Established in 1992, Democrats 2000 has undertaken expansive grassroots fundraising. The organization has become a vehicle for younger generation Democrats to get involved in New Jersey’s political process and helps them establish relationships that will last throughout their careers.

A complete list of the Democrats 2000 Recommended List is attached.

2005 Democrats 200 Recommended List

Candidates for the General Assembly:

2nd – Damon Tyner (35)

4th – Asm. Dave Mayer (38)

11th – Matt Doherty (32) & Jim Reilly (33)

12th – Asm. Michael Panter

13th – Mike Desaro

14th – Dan Benson (29)

23rd – Janice Kovach (40)

26th – Kate McCabe (34)

Candidates for County Office:

Salem Cty. Freeholder – David Lindenmuth

Mercer Cty. Clerk – Paula Sollami Covello

Morris Cty. Freeholder – Dana Wefer (23)

Burlington Cty. Freeholders – Amy Vasquez (36) & Dean Buono (36)

Essex Cty. Clerk - Chris Durkin

Essex Cty. Freeholder – Samuel Gonzalez

Candidates for Local Office:

Hawthorne Mayor – Joe Wojtecki (37)

Dumont Mayor – Matt McHale (26)

Edison Twp. Mayor – Jun Choi (34)

Clinton Mayor – Christine Schaumburg

Lawrenceville Council – Mike Horan (34)

Woodbridge Twp Council – Greg Bedard (30)

Haledon Council – Alan Souto (37)

Wall Twp. Council – Eric Brophy (35)

EdisonTwp. Council - Parag Patel (36)

Hamilton Twp. Council – Wayne DeAngelo (39) & Tom Walls (40)

Jamesburg Council– Carlos Morales

Marlboro Twp. Council – Jeff Rosen

Bridgewater Council– John Rooney

Middletown Twp. Council – Alex DeSevo

Bloomfield Council – Robert Chalet

Lake Como Council – Marni McFadden (39) & Brian Wilton (30)

Basking Ridge Council – Thomas Kashickey (30)

Gloucester Council – Orlando Mercado (33)

Chatham Council – John Bitar (37)

East Hanover Council – Mike Gibbons (38) & Carolyn Jandoli (37)

Long Hill Council – Christopher Collins (38)

Mt. Olive Council – Anthony White (22)

Barrington Council – Kirk Popiolek & Craig Cowling

Magnolia Council – Steve Whalen & Philip D’Amico

Woolwich Council – Joe Chila

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