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Sebelius Announces Manchin to be 2008 DGA Chair

Washington, D.C. – Outgoing Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today announced that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will serve as the 2008 DGA Chair. She also announced that Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer will be the Vice Chair.

“To build on our 2007 success, I’m pleased to announce Joe Manchin will begin his term as DGA Chair today,” Gov. Sebelius said. “And Brian Schweitzer begins as DGA Vice Chair. The DGA is on target to transform our momentum into more victories next year under Joe’s and Brian’s leadership.””

Gov. Sebelius discussed the major accomplishments during her term as Chair. “Our political successes were topped off by the election of Governor-elect Steve Beshear in Kentucky,” Gov. Sebelius said. “Our financial goals have been met and we’re ending the year in great shape for next year’s 11 gubernatorial races. It’s been a strong year for Democratic governors working together on important issues and I’m thrilled to see that continue.”

Other 2007 achievements include smashing the DGA’s $9.3 million fundraising record from four years ago, when, like this year, there were three races; banking an all time record of at least $6 million; and demonstrating significant national leadership on important policy issues like the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Gov. Manchin thanked Gov. Sebelius and said the DGA is ready to build upon the strong groundwork she laid. “A special thanks and congratulations go to Kathleen for leading the DGA so effectively throughout 2007. Her leadership provides a solid foundation upon which we can build our ranks next year and in the years to come,” Gov. Manchin said. “I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead. I assure you that we will continue the Democratic momentum from 2006 and 2007.”

Gov. Manchin, who previously served as the DGA’s Vice Chair, outlined four major goals for his term as Chair. First, he pledged to help re-elect all Democratic incumbents running (in New Hampshire, Montana, Washington, and West Virginia) and to retain the two Democratic open seats (in Delaware and North Carolina). Second, Gov. Manchin set the goal of expanding the majority of Democratic governors by at least one – by winning states like Missouri and Indiana, who have vulnerable Republican incumbents. Third, he said DGA will seek to break its all-time fundraising record of $18.3 million.

Washington, D.C. – Outgoing Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today announced that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will serve as the 2008 DGA Chair. She also announced that Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer will be the Vice Chair.

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