Attention: Political Desk

Black Seattle community activist joins SF anti-war
activist to challenge incumbent Democratic senators
in 2 West Coast states; War, civil liberties major issues

SAN FRANCISCO/SEATTLE - A prominent black community activist announced
today (Thursday) that he will seek the Green Party nomination to challenge
the incumbent Democratic US Senator in Washington state, joining Green
Party Green Party candidate Todd Chretien, running against incumbent Sen.
Dianne Feinstein in California.

The announcement by Aaron Dixon, a former leader of the Black Panther Party
in Seattle, that he will run against Sen. Maria Cantwell lines up Green
Party candidates against both incumbent Democratic Senators on the West Coast.

The war in Iraq, and recent attacks on civil liberties in the U.S. are two
major issues where the challengers and incumbents differ.

Both Cantwell and Feinstein voted for the war in Iraq and continue to
support the occupation and both recently voted to reauthorize the USA
Patriot Act, while Mr. Dixon and Mr. Chretien will both campaign for the
immediate withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq and for the abolition
of the USA Patriot Act.

"I welcome Aaron Dixon's decision to run for US Senate in Washington. His
long history as a fighter for peace and human rights is desperately needed
in the US Senate," said Mr. Chretien, who co-authored a San Francisco
ballot proposition last year urging military recruiters be banned from
schools. The "College Not Combat" measure was approved overwhelmingly.

"In both our states, the majority of people want an end to the war, but
both incumbent Democrats are supporting President Bush's plans to continue
it. It's time the peace movement shows that it won't be taken for granted
by the Democratic Party," he added.

Aaron Dixon's campaign can be contacted at www.aarondixon.org.
More information about Todd Chretien's campaign is available at
www.Todd4Senate.org

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TODD chretien
US Senate
1-800-LeaveIraq www.Todd4Senate.org