Contact: Isaac Padilla
505/986.4819
Isaac.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Senator Candelaria Selected to Join Group of Nation’s
Most Promising Democratic Leaders
Albuquerque – Senator Candelaria (D-26-Bernalillo) has been named a Spring 2016 New DEAL Leader. The NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) program identifies the nation’s most promising local Democratic leaders who have the potential to move into statewide and federal office. NewDEAL started in 2011 with 10 leaders and has grown to 143 state and local leaders from 45 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This network of leaders will help foster ideas that can move New Mexico’s economy forward,” said Sen. Candelaria. “I look forward to working with this group of outstanding local and state elected officials to find innovative and pragmatic solutions to the issues we face.”
NewDEAL is Co-Chaired by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). Upon release of the nominations, Sen. Warner said, “I congratulate this group of NewDEAL Leaders who have been chosen for their pro-growth policy solutions from the front-lines of government. We are proud to highlight these leaders from across the country with innovative ideas to make government more efficient and effective.”
“Year after year, the NewDEAL identifies remarkable state and local leaders who have a proven track record of innovative solutions. These elected officials have fresh ideas about how we can meet the challenges of the 21st Century. I’m glad they’ve been given the distinction and the support that the NewDEAL network provides, ”said Governor Jack Markell (D-DE), Honorary Co-Chair of the NewDEAL.
The New DEAL program highlighted Senator Candelaria’s successful efforts to pass the Rural and Low Income Schools Broadband Investment Act—a piece of legislation that will invest $50 million in broadband connectivity for schools across New Mexico—creating new educational and economic opportunities for rural communities statewide.
Former NewDEAL leaders include U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and other members of Congress, and New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller.
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