I was honored to receive the endorsement of the Village Independent Democrats (as well as Brooklyn Democrats For Change). Here's one VID member's view of the Senate race:

Last night the oldest progressive Democratic club in NYC held its candidates endorsement meeting.

Hotly debated was the primary race for US Senator.

Numbers of members spoke to the club on why they were supporting the anti-war, pro-labor, immigrant rights advocate and same sex civil marriage supporter, peace and justice candidate Jonathan Tasini.

VID members who had endorsed and worked in Hilary Clinton's first US Senate election made clear that Senator Clinton with her pro-invasion vote (which even at this late point she has not repudiated), her waffling on issues like a woman's right to choose and the immigration issue has walked away from progressive issues she once seemed to embrace.

“The Village Independent Democrats is proud to endorse Jonathan Tasini as a candidate for the senate. Progressives will not be taken for granted” - William Strickland, President, Village Independent Democrats

"I am proud to be a member of a political club that is progressive, intelligent and has the courage to support a candidate who is against the war in Iraq. The VID is located in the area most affected by 9/11. Jonathan Tasini understands the effect this war has had on NY state, the loss of lives, the lack of funding to our schools, under-funding of health care, lost jobs to outsourcing, etc. Jonathan Tasini has all the qualities of a winner, he supports labor, women’s rights and health care for all. I encourage New Yorkers to support Jonathan Tasini." - Yayoi Tsuchitani,

Last night the Village Independent Democrats voted overwhelmingly to endorse Jonathan Tasini for U.S. Senate. The endorsement of this important club gives a huge boost to the Tasini campaign and reflects the opinion of a majority of New Yorkers who want a Senator in Washington who represents them.

On Tuesday the 11th CD chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America endorsed Tasini for Senate as well. Of the four PDA chapters that have voted to date, every one has chosen to endorse Tasini over the incumbent.

And to make it a the trifecta, the Brooklyn Democrats for Change endorsed Tasini this week as well. The name of their club is apt - it is time for a change, and people all over New YOrk are saying so, loud and clear.

Today, I will begin the 600-mile bike Ride For Peace. You can read all about the Ride and join me in the Ride--or support it by signing the petition or making a contribution--by clicking on the cool icon to the right on this page (and we have really neat T-shirts to sell with the logo!)

Here is the prepared text of my statement to the press which I will give at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in New York City at 2 p.m.:

We stand before the Vietnam Memorial to remember the cost of war.

We remember PFC Louis E. Willett who served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He was killed during a firefight in Kontum province on 15 February 1967. He was 21 when he was killed.

Jonathan's 600-mile bike tour of upstate NY launches tomorrow from the NY Vietnam Veterans Memorial (50 Water St. - near the Staten Island ferry terminal) in Manhattan. The press conference for the event begins at
2:00PM. Following the event, Jonathan will start riding to New Rochelle, the first stop on the tour. Come join us at the press conference and, if you want, bring your bike and ride with Jonathan up the West Side Highway bike path.

The Ride For Peace will cover 600 miles from New York City to Buffalo, and make stops in 16 cities during its three-week journey. In each location Tasini will highlight the human and economic cost of the Iraq war for that community. Tasini will be asking people to sign a petition that mirrors legislation proposed by Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts to end the war in Iraq.