FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEN. AL FRANKEN TO SPEAK AT FIFTH ANNUAL NETROOTS NATION CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS
March 11, 2010 -- Netroots Nation organizers announced today that Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) will address attendees July 25 in Las Vegas. He will speak as part of the fifth annual convention's closing keynote.
Sen. Franken and interested observers saw firsthand what democracy and fair elections are all about last year when his Senate race was the subject of a state-wide comprehensive recount. Since his swearing in, Sen. Franken has been a strong advocate for progressive policies, speaking out in favor of a public option, cutting oil subsidies and slashing interest rates for student loans.
"Even during the recount, we knew Sen. Franken would be a fighter," said Raven Brooks, executive director of Netroots Nation. "Whether he's fighting for health care or education, he's shown that he represents American families and isn't afraid to stand up for strong progressive values."
Organizers say that's why they chose Sen. Franken to close out the fifth annual convention.
"Bringing about change is more than just winning elections; it's about fighting year-round," says Brooks. "We're confident that Sen. Franken will inspire activists to double down and push even harder for progressive change in 2010 and beyond."
Netroots Nation will take place July 22–25 at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In addition to an opening keynote by Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, the fifth annual gathering of the online progressive community will include more than 70 panels led by national and international experts; prominent political, issue and policy-oriented speakers; 30 cutting-edge training sessions; and a progressive film screening series.
Past conventions have featured President Bill Clinton, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Harry Reid, Vice President Al Gore, then Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, Gov. Howard Dean, Valerie Jarrett and Van Jones.
The keynote and convention are open to media coverage. For more information about Netroots Nation, visit www.netrootsnation.org.
ABOUT NETROOTS NATION
Netroots Nation amplifies progressive voices by providing an online and in-person campus for exchanging ideas and learning how to be more effective in using technology to influence the public debate.
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