Hello,

I am Alexandra Hughes and I am very proud to be running for for a Democrats Abroad France "Member at Large" position. I read every single person's candidacy statement and we have a very impressive group!! This speaks well for DAF. Curiously however, I found that there were two or three people who suggested going to another website... called http://www.changedaf.com/; . First of all the title itself implies that certain people would like to "change" DAF from it's original purpose or from being the organization it is (changes included). It seems to me that DAF is one of the great groups in Paris and has been running an exemplary (constantly changing and growing) organizational outreach to the community. That's what attracted me to run! Secondly I came to believe, through my work leading up to President Obama's election, that we as a group were solidified in our beliefs and as a result brought more Democrats to register and vote than in any previous election. It was very moving to work with those who for the last twenty years, have paved the road in France to our recent victory by taking the courage Obama inspired in us to be open with each other, to come together and work for each other in a coherent group.

I find myself looking from afar at a kind of schism within a group I so admire for it's willingness to get the work done no matter how small and tedious or how big; not petty about POLITICKING against each other. Obama has brought so much positive energy in the worst of times... can we not join him in his generosity towards all human beings and work together? I think we can and we will and we must. This website, www.democratsabroad.org/group/france, was formed for that those of us who are running and we are able to post comments. I would not have thought that we would have to defend ourselves for running for a Democrats Abroad France office. I am running to help DAF continue its work: growing - and yes, changing - the way they have been doing, excitingly, over the years. More to follow! Sincerely, Alexandra Hughes

http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/8204
http://www.alexandrahughes.com/