WASHINGTON, DC – The Nation magazine has named Progressive Democrats of America its Most Valuable Political Group of 2008.

“Paul Wellstone’s ‘Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party’ finally has a functional voice,” wrote John Nichols in a roundup of the “Most Valuable Progressives of 2008.”

Downloadable GIF Image

Nichols stated that PDA has “over the past several years struggled mightily–and often effectively–to pull the party to the left on issues of war and peace, health-care reform, economic justice and presidential accountability.” He noted the group’s highly visible role in the Democratic national convention in August, where PDA successfully fought for more progressive platform positions on healthcare and trade and organized a series of well attended policy-related events.

“We’re very grateful to The Nation for recognizing the hard work of our grassroots leaders in cities and towns across the country,” said PDA Executive Director Tim Carpenter. “It’s great to see their efforts acknowledged in this way.”

Progressive Democrats of America is one of the nation’s fastest-growing grassroots political organizations; it has active chapters in 45 states. PDA is dedicated to reviving the progressive tradition of the Democratic Party through grassroots organizing and working with elected Democrats to advance peace, justice and social, economic and environmental responsibility.