Bobby Scott Endorses Leslie Byrne for Congress!

Byrne Endorsed By Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, Now Has Nine Congressional Endorsements

Scott is second member of Virginia delegation to endorse Byrne

Fairfax, VA-With momentum in her favor after reports that the Democratic primary race in Virginia's 11th congressional district is a dead heat and the endorsement of the progressive action group Democracy for America, former congresswoman Leslie Byrne announced today that she has been endorsed by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA). Scott is the second member of Virginia's congressional delegation to endorse Byrne, joining Senator Jim Webb, and the ninth member of Congress over all. Scott is the eighth member of the House's Out of Iraq Caucus to announce his support for Byrne.

Byrne and Scott entered Congress the same year, and the two worked together on a wide range of issues important to Virginians. He joins state political leaders including Webb, State Senators Chuck Colgan, John Edwards, Don McEachin, and Chap Petersen and Delegates Adam Ebbin, Bob Hull, Steve Shannon, Lionel Spruill and Margi Vanderhye among the ranks of Byrne's supporters.

"I am honored to have the support of my good friend Bobby Scott, who has always stood up for the things that matter to the people of this state," said Byrne. "He and I share many of the same beliefs, from the importance of early childhood education to the protection of our civil liberties to ending the war in Iraq. I am looking forward to again working with him to make progress on our shared priorities when I get to the halls of Congress next year."

Ending the war is a critical issue for many likely primary voters across the district, making the endorsement of those Virginians who are leading the anti-war movement, like Scott and Webb, particularly important. Byrne has a well-established record of opposition to the war. She publicly opposed military action in Iraq in January 2003, joining 75 other former congressmen in calling on President Bush to put more effort into diplomacy before the invasion took place.

"In the months leading up to our invasion of Iraq, too many politicians were blind to the dangers of the White House's plans. Leslie Byrne had the vision it took to see the quagmire ahead," said Scott. "That vision and her clear sense of Virginian values allowed her to do great things in her first term in Congress. I would be thrilled to help serve this state with her once again."

"The endorsement of Bobby Scott reinforces that Leslie Byrne is the candidate whom Virginia progressives are looking to for leadership. They want a real change in direction on the Iraq War and in the way our government works, and they believe that Leslie will provide it." said Byrne campaign manager Joe Fox. "Congressman Scott and Senator Webb are fighting for a better future for Virginians. They have made it clear that Leslie is the ally they want to help them in their fight."

Byrne has signed on to "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq" along with more than 50 other congressional candidates, and is calling for the swift withdrawal of all of our troops and a new diplomatic and economic offensive in that nation.

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