About Suzan Delbene
A Democratic challenger with momentum
Technology executive Suzan DelBene is poised to take control of this GOP-held seat. A successful entrepreneur dedicated to problem-solving, she's got her ear to the pulse of this Democratic-leaning district -- something her opponent, three-term Cong. Dave Reichert, lacks. DelBene's message of fiscal responsibility and job creation is exactly what Washington voters are searching for -- and she has the experience and skills to hit the ground running in Washington. Her campaign has been gathering steam since she announced her candidacy, landing endorsements of key leaders in Washington state, including Gov. Christine Gregoire. DelBene is exactly the candidate to wrest this seat from Republican hands -- but with a GOP opponent who has fought off Democratic challengers in the past, this will be a tough race to the finish line.
A business-savvy leader focused on job creation
DelBene's focus on putting America back to work is personal. Growing up in the district, her father lost his job as an airline pilot, giving DelBene a personal understanding of how difficult economic times affect the district's families. DelBene knows that fostering new jobs in fields like technology will help revitalize America's economy -- and with over 20 years of experience as a business executive and software entrepreneur, she knows how to get results. She's also served as one of only 15 female executives at Microsoft, one of the world's largest corporations and the district's largest employer. DelBene hasn't only used her business acumen to improve conditions in Washington state, either; she also serves as a strategic advisor to Global Partnerships, a non-profit organization that supports sustainable aid and microfinancing projects for poverty-stricken areas in Latin America.
A GOP-held seat trending Democratic
DelBene is taking on three-term Cong. Dave Reichert, one of six GOP representatives in the country whose district voted for both Kerry in 2004 and Obama in 2008. No Democrat has ever held the seat -- but DelBene is ready to change that. DelBene is a leader on progressive social issues, speaking out against the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Act, Don't Tell and defending women's reproductive rights, making her an excellent fit for this district. But Republicans won't let this seat go without a fight, and they're ready to do whatever it takes to keep this seat in GOP hands. DelBene has earned key endorsements from local and state-wide leaders and, coupled with the resources she'll need to deflect GOP attacks and get her message to voters, DelBene is the candidate who can finally put this seat in the Democratic column.
February 28, 2010
Leadership of EMILY's List makes the trek to WA-08 to support Suzan DelBene
NPI Advocate
