MIXNER'S 2016 ELECTION CENTRAL —
If you like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Presidential Candidate Senator Bernie Sanders you should be immediately sitting down to make a contribution to Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Sims.
The young openly gay legislator is running for Congress in Pennsylvania's 2nd District against the incumbent Democrat Congressman Chaka Fattah. The long serving incumbent has been indicted for racketeering, bank fraud and money laundering. While others are also entering the race in this diverse district, Sims is rapidly becoming the leading challenger. Fattah at the last reporting had only $23,000 in the bank and over $60,000 in debt.
One thing Sims has proved is that he is a remarkable organizer and fundraiser.
The word ‘progressive' was made for Sims. He has been the champion of the powerless and the poor in the state legislature. Any human rights issue will find Sims at the forefront of the battle to correct any injustice. He has championed women's issues more than some women in the legislature. Even though the district has a majority African American base, many African Americans and leaders are endorsing this man who has fought side by side with them in Philly and Pennsylvania.
Brian Sims is never afraid of tough issues. Like Elizabeth Warren, he doesn't back down, isn't afraid of a fight and is unapologetically liberal.
Sims has traveled the nation helping other LGBT candidates, organizations and progressive causes. He knows that elective office can be a bully pulpit and he uses it effectively.
The 37 year-old dynamic young man was the son of two Lt. Colonels in the Army. He was a star player and captain of the Bloomsburg University football team where he came out publicly to his teammates and coach. He became the first openly gay captain of a college football team in NCAA history. He got his law degree so he could fight for his own freedom. From that moment on, he has fought non-stop for progressive issues.
Sims is fearless.
In 2009, Sims visited me while I was living my Henry David Thoreau Walden Pond experience in Turkey Hollow in the Catskill Mountains in New York. He wanted to discuss how he could make Pennsylvania catch up with the rest of the Northeast on LGBT issues. Sitting by the fire pit outside in the chill autumn air we talked for hours about the movement, its history and the importance of running for office. Sims asked how the Pennsylvania LGBT community could find the right candidate for elective office and what criteria they should use. Leaning over the fire, I said, ” I am looking at the candidate now.” At first he brushed it aside but it dominated the rest of the weekend's conversation.
He went on to become the first elected openly LGBT state representative in Pennsylvania's history. I had the honor of speaking at his swearing-in at Philadelphia's stately City Hall. I was stunned as the huge ornate chamber filled with people from every walk of life. That room on that day was how the world should look every day.
So in a year when most candidates for President are well over 65 and you are wondering where are the future young candidates in the Democratic Party, look no further than Sims.
He will not disappoint.
So stop wringing your hands about the state of the world and give to this incredible candidate for Congress in Philadelphia. Simply click HERE and make your contribution now. Then come back and make it again.
The primary election is April 26 and whichever Democrat wins the nomination is assured election in November.
So you have six months to make a donation every month. If we don't give to the best candidates around, who do you think will do it?
https://youtu.be/BojWO1lXTOs
