The 2008 Convention: Wednesday, August 27th - Securing America's Future

DENVER (Map) - DENVER, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign today announced that Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chairman Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and top Senate challengers will address the Convention Wednesday evening, August 27th.

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Joining Senator Schumer on the stage on Wednesday will be Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Tom Udall of New Mexico, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, and Tom Allen of Maine.

Jeanne Shaheen is the former Governor of New Hampshire and the first woman elected to that office. She left her position as the Director of Harvard's Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School to run for the Senate.

"For too long, families in New Hampshire and across the country have struggled as Washington has put the needs of special interests ahead of the needs of middle class families. Well, it is time for a change," said Shaheen. "This November, we are going to take our country in a new direction by standing up and fighting for the middle class again. If we want a new direction in Washington, we need real change this fall."

Rep. Tom Udall was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1998 and previously served as New Mexico's Attorney General. Udall, who has earned a reputation as a principled leader, is running for the open senate seat in New Mexico.

"As a proud Westerner and candidate for United States Senate, it is my honor to take part in this historic Convention for change," said Udall. "In my home state of New Mexico and around the nation, it's clear that voters will have a choice between leaders who will fight for our middle class and do what's right no matter what, or those who choose to stand for the same failed policies of the past."

In 2006, Jeff Merkley led Democrats to take control of the Oregon House for the first time in sixteen years. The son of a millworker, Merkley is the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to address the Democratic Convention and speak to my vision to partner with Senator Obama and make Washington work for working families again," said Merkley. "Oregonians are ready for the kind of change Senator Obama will bring to Washington. George Bush's economy has been a disaster for Oregon workers and families."

Maine Rep. Tom Allen was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1996, where he has been a strong advocate for health care, small business, energy, fiscal responsibility and economic competitiveness. Allen, who is currently the only U.S. Senate candidate with a universal healthcare plan, is running against incumbent Susan Collins.

"Next week's Convention will be a tremendous opportunity to talk about how we can change the direction of Maine and our nation," said Allen. "I look forward to speaking to my fellow delegates about solving the energy crisis, bringing our troops home safely and responsibly from Iraq, providing universal health care, and expanding opportunities for the middle class."

The headline prime-time speaker on Wednesday will be Barack Obama's Vice Presidential Nominee.

About the DNCC:

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