DGA Elects PA Border State Govs

From the inbox:

Members of the Democratic Governors Association today chose Delaware Gov. Jack Markell as chair and Gov. Martin O’Malley as vice chair for the critical 2010 election cycle. DGA also announced an aggressive new multimillion-dollar effort to educate the public about the GOP’s fiscal recklessness and plans to return to the same policies that caused our current recession.

Gov. Markell, who was asked to become chair because of his strong business leadership, said there has never been a more important time to be governor – or to work to elect leaders who are committed fighting for hardworking taxpayers, restoring our nation’s prosperity and helping people recapture the American Dream.

“We have Governors and candidates across the country that are seizing the opportunity to rebuild our nation’s economy, to stand and fight for hardworking taxpayers, to strengthen our nation’s schools and give our children every opportunity to do better and go further than we - their parents - could or have gone,” Markell said. “The members of the DGA understand that helping working families recover from this national recession requires a shared commitment.”

The governors also asked Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who is up for re-election in 2010, to continue serving as vice chair.

“I'm honored to continue in my role as Vice Chair of the DGA, particularly when our country is at a crossroads that could shape our political landscape for a generation,” O’Malley said. “Governors races are won or lost based on the dynamics in their states, but we know one thing that Democratic candidates have in common - they will stand up for working families and creating jobs at a time when Republicans are offering the same policies that got us here in the first place.”

Markell thanked outgoing Chair Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana for his long service to the DGA.

“Under Governor Schweitzer’s leadership, we built the most impressive warchest in DGA history – and will bring ten times more resources to 2010 than the last comparable election cycle,” Gov. Markell said. “Not only that, Gov. Schweitzer has inspired numerous up-and-coming candidates with his impressive wins as a Democrat in a red state.”

Gov. Schweitzer thanked his fellow governors for their confidence in his leadership and their dedication to electing Democratic governors.

“I’ve been proud to lead the DGA at a time when Americans need strong governors who will work night and day to create and save jobs,” Gov. Schweitzer said. “I look forward to continuing to partner with these remarkable leaders and President Obama to continue moving the country forward.”

Markell launched The GOP Accountability Project, which the DGA will use to highlight the Republican policy makers who want to make a U-turn to the failed policies that created the worst recession since the Great Depression. The DGA announced it will spend at least $5 million in at least five key states to educate the public about the consequences of their failed ideas. The initial list of states includes California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa and Ohio.

With 37 races on the ballot on the eve of Congressional redistricting, the 2010 gubernatorial cycle has more potential to reshape the political landscape than any other election in a generation. The DGA has shattered its fundraising records this year and is on track to announce record-breaking cash-on-hand at the end of the year.