Representatives Farr and Velazquez Endorse Leslie Byrne in VA-11

Byrne Emerges as Leading Voice on Iraq; Draws Support From Two Members of the Out of Iraq Caucus

Fairfax, VA-Building on her momentum after reports last week that the Democratic primary race in

Virginia's 11th congressional district is a dead heat, Leslie Byrne announced today that she has been endorsed by Reps. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Byrne now has the endorsement of two members of the House and Senator Jim Webb (D-VA). Her nearest opponent in the race, Fairfax

County Board of Supervisors chairman Gerry Connolly, has not received the endorsement of any current member of Congress.

With the Iraq War playing a major role in the 11th congressional district race, the endorsement of Reps.

Farr and Velazquez, both members of the Out of Iraq Caucus, is particularly important.

"The most important thing to take away from this endorsement is what it signals about who is seen as the

leading voice on the war in this race," said Byrne campaign manager Joe Fox. "Representatives Farr and Velazquez are members of Congress currently working to bring the troops home, and they clearly see Leslie as their preferred ally in the fight to end the war in Iraq."

"I am proud and honored to have the endorsement of Representatives Farr and Velazquez. As members of the Out of Iraq Caucus, they have demonstrated the leadership and judgment that our representatives in Congress have too often lacked over the course of this war," said Byrne. "I am looking forward to working with them to bring an end to this conflict as a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus when I get to the halls of Congress next year."

Byrne has signed on to "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq" along with more than 50 other congressional candidates, and is calling for the swift withdrawal of all of our troops and a new diplomatic and economic offensive in that nation. She has been publicly opposed to the war from the very beginning, joining 75 other former congressmen in calling on President Bush to put more effort into diplomacy before the invasion took place.

"My friend Leslie Byrne has all the hallmarks of a great congresswoman - toughness, creativity, a genuine desire to get results and the courage to do what she thinks is right regardless of the political consequences.

We need more representatives like her on Capitol Hill," said Representative Velazquez. "Northern Virginians have always known where Leslie Byrne stands on the war. She has been a staunch opponent of the Iraq invasion since January of 2003 and she will be an important voice for bringing our troops home."

The Out of Iraq caucus was created in June 2005 to coordinate congressional efforts aimed at bringing home our troops.

Farr and Velazquez both served with Byrne and were members of her House freshman class. Byrne was elected whip of that class in recognition of her skills at pushing through legislation.

"Tough times demand tough decisions. Leslie Byrne didn't shy away from making the tough calls when she came out against the war in Iraq and she won't shy away from making the tough decisions it will take to bring our troops home," said Representative Farr. "I served in Congress with Leslie Byrne, and have always known her to be someone with the courage to say what she believes no matter what. I am looking forward to serving with her again."

Leslie Byrne is a former member of Congress who has fought for economic and social justice in the Virginia House of Delegates, the Virginia Senate, and as the Consumer Advocate of the United States under former President Bill Clinton. She and her husband Larry have two grown children and two grandchildren, all living in Northern Virginia.