21st Century Democrats Endorses Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate

Washington, DC – 21st Century Democrats today endorsed Representative Kendrick Meek for the United States Senate. Kendrick knows what it means to work hard. Raised by a single mother, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, and his two older sisters, he worked his way through college on a football scholarship and the tips he made carrying luggage as an airport skycap. When he graduated, he continued to put in long hours to keep Florida communities safe as Florida Highway Patrolman.

As a legislator, he has always fought for reforms that make a difference for Florida families. In 2002, he stood up to Florida's political establishment and successfully led a campaign to limit Florida class sizes. He fought against excessive bank overdraft fees and spearheaded efforts to reign in Wall Street banks that caused this financial crisis. With record numbers of Floridians out of work, Kendrick is working tirelessly to bring good paying jobs to the state. Instead of playing political games and engaging in abstract ideological battles, he is fighting for jobs and to rejuvenate Florida's economy.

Every election cycle, 21st Century Democrats looks for candidates who show great promise of future leadership, and who aren't afraid to take on big corporate interests. The organization is known for building a farm team of progressive populist leadership in the Democratic Party. Earlier supporters have included Russ Feingold, Paul Wellstone, and Barack Obama - long before they came became national figures.

“We’re very excited to endorse Representative Meek in his campaign for the United States Senate,” said Jim Schiebel, Chairman of 21st Century Democrats. “His commitment to grassroots, progressive advocacy is evident in his historic achievement in securing his placement on Florida’s ballot by petition. We know that he will continue his dedication to community and progressive ideals when he is elected to the United States Senate.”

21st Century Democrats is a Washington, D.C. based grassroots-oriented political action committee that endorses and helps elect progressive Democrats by building a grassroots organization dedicated to electing progressive leaders. In the last 10 years alone, the organization has helped over 165 candidates in 31 states win election; has employed and trained 475 field organizers and 500 canvassers; and has trained 4,400.By focusing its attention on building aggressive and quantifiable field campaigns, 21st Century Democrats has won the majority of its races for 10 straight years.