Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Email from Americans for the Arts Action Fund




"January 9, 2008

Dear Jean,


Last week Iowa held the first presidential caucus, and yesterday, New Hampshire held the first presidential primary of the 2008 election. While it's still early in the process, ArtsVote2008 is very pleased to find candidates that support the arts and arts education have been dominating these contests! Americans for the Arts Action Fund launched ArtsVote2008 last year to be the voice of arts advocates across the nation. The initiative is dedicated to making sure that the presidential candidates make early on-the-record statements in support of the arts and arts education.


Winners of the Iowa Caucus, Senator Barack Obama (D) and Governor Mike Huckabee (R) have made extensive policy statements in support of the arts and arts education. Senator Obama has written two policy briefs outlining his support, and Governor Huckabee has been extremely vocal for years about his support for improving arts education throughout the country.


Late last night Senator Hillary Clinton (D) was confirmed as the winner of the New Hampshire Primary. Senator Clinton has also written a policy brief in support of the arts and has a strong record in this area during her tenure as First Lady. It should be noted that the NH GOP winner, Senator John McCain, has not yet issued a statement on the arts. Senator John Edwards (D) and Governor Bill Richardson (D) also have statements in support of the arts. To read the candidate statements and get additional campaign trail news, visit http://capwiz.com/artsusa/utr/1/LDUBHZJFOC/KAEIHZJFOT/1653504291.

In large part, securing early support for the arts and arts education in the months leading up to the primary was made possible through ArtsVoteNH—a partnership between Americans for the Arts Action Fund and New Hampshire Citizens for the Arts. Most recently, ArtsVoteNH held a statewide Arts Policy Forum at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH, at which five campaigns participated, including speakers on behalf of Senator Obama, Governor Huckabee and Senator Clinton.


What's Next 30 states are scheduled to hold their caucus or primaries in the next month, tell your friends to join our Action E-List and get the latest breaking news and campaign updates. Thank you for championing the arts in this election and for sending messages to the presidential candidates letting them know your support for the arts. For too long, America's arts community has been quiet during national campaigns. Thanks to you, we'll finally be heard!"



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