Lambda Independent Democrats will kick off the new year with a forum featuring the candidates for the hotly contested 11th congressional district seat being vacated by Major Owens on Thursday, January 26, 2006 at the Montauk Club, 25 8th Avenue at Lincoln Place. This is the first time in a decade that there will be an open congressional seat in Brooklyn, so join us in hearing from candidates Carl Andrews, Yvette Clarke, Chris Owens, Nick Perry and David Yassky.

I want to add my personal comment on this race. Many Progressives love to complain about the weaknesses of the Democratic Party. Well, hotly contested primaries like this one are YOUR CHANCE to influence the Democratic Party. This race pits candidates linked to the corrupt machine against progressives and semi-progressives. People who complain about the party but fail to get involved on this level should just keep their mouths shut. Come help reform politics in Brooklyn by attending this forum and questioning these candidates yourself. Then support the candidate YOU like. Otherwise, I don't want to hear you complain.