Brennan, a Portland resident and native, said that in order for Democrats in Washington to regain the mantle of leadership, they must act quickly and strongly to deal with the major challenges that Mainers and Americans face, including eradicating poverty, providing universal health care, revamping and strengthening our education system for the 21st century, fighting global warming, and particularly, ending the War in Iraq.

"We're not going to be able to tackle these urgent challenges until we stop spending hundreds of billions of dollars on this war that has left 2 million people refugees from their own country," Brennan said.

Brennan was introduced Tuesday by a fellow social worker, Donna Yellen, of South Portland. "I've known Michael since we were classmates together in social work school, and have worked with him on issues like housing and homelessness," Yellen said. "I've seen his deep commitment to this community, and to social and economic justice."

Also speaking at the event was community leader Rabbi Harry Sky, of Falmouth. "Michael has the compassion and integrity of an ancient seer," Sky said. "He's never turned down a stranger or compromised his beliefs."

Concurrent with the live announcement, Brennan's campaign released a seven-minute video announcement of his candidacy.

Michael Brennan for Congress
PO Box 285 ~ Portland, ME 04112
votebrennan@brennanforcongress.org
http://www.brennanforcongress.org