The coming election presents a historic opportunity for progressives to take control of Congress, and those candidates desperately need all available resources to finish off strong. That's why I'm thrilled that 1,200 of you participated in our Progressive Champions contest, and together we raised over $130,000 to 24 progressive Congressional candidates on the political front lines. These candidates are the real deal -- dedicated progressives who will diligently and enthusiastically work with Barack Obama to bring about change.
The contest, sponsored by People For the American Way Voters Alliance, offered $3,000 to the candidate who raised the most. Our friend Jared Polis -- the next Congressman from Colorado's 2nd district -- kicked in an additional $1,000 to the winner. And the chairs of the DCCC's Red to Blue program -- Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressmen Bruce Braley and Artur Davis -- added two awards: $2,000 to the candidate with the most contributors and $1,000 to the runner-up.
Judy Feder (VA-10) and Gary Peters (MI-09) went back and forth for the overall fundraising lead, but Peters ended up a couple thousand ahead with nearly $34,000 raised -- plus the $3,000 first place award. President Bush held a fundraiser for Peters' opponent this week, so our contributions couldn't have come at a better time.
Vic Wulsin (OH-02) and Dennis Shulman (NJ-05) had an almost identical number of contributors and won the second and third-place awards, courtesy of the DCCC Red to Blue chairs. In addition to the prizes, Wulsin raised nearly $15,000 and Shulman raised nearly $14,000. Russ Warner (CA-26) and Martin Heinrich (NM-01) also put in strong showings, both raising $9,000.
Our contest is over for now, but the fight for Congress is only going to intensify by the day. We all need to keep giving to these and other committed progressives. I'm so thankful for all of you who participated in the contest, and for Howie Klein, who made it happen. Together we're going to do something big!
Kathryn Kolbert is President of People For the American Way Voters Alliance