John and Elizabeth Edwards are two of the few national Democrats still working to help rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after Katrina. There is an Edwards Democrat running for the Katrina-burdened LA 01, and I believe that if John and Elizabeth support her efforts, they can help send Congressperson to DC to fight for those who currently have no voice. Please help support this petition urging them to endorse Gilda Reed and support her in her upcoming special election on May 3rd. The greater New Orleans area is a forgotten tragedy. Its citizens need strong progressive leaders to take on the entrenched corrupt bureaucracy that has kept its citizens poor and voiceless. They need leaders who will fight for them in Washington. District 1 will have 4 different Representatives in 9 years. Each Republican has used this seat as a stepping stone to further their political career, leaving the citizens virtually without representation. Gilda has vowed to seek no other office; her only goal is to give voice to the voiceless, to represent the proud people of her district. With the incompetence of Republican rule exposed, this once solidly-Red district is receptive to progressive Democratic ideals. A former a polio survivor who put herself through college while raising 7 children, Gilda Reed is more than up for that fight. Gilda is an outspoken activist in support of workers rights, unions, protecting the environment, public education, ethics reform, poverty eradication, universal healthcare, ending the war in Iraq and taking care of our military members. Gilda\'s stand on the issues mirrors John Edwards own political ideals. So it came as no surprise when I saw her supporting the Edwards campaign. And many more people see the Reed-Edwards connection. The dedicated and active Edwards supporters on Daily Kos have taken up a mission to collectively endorse Edwards Democrats. Their first endorsement Gilda Reed! If John and Elizabeth would endorse Gilda\'s campaign, she would defeat the corrupt Republican Machine that has kept Louisianans under the thumb of corporate interests. And I know that Gilda would be a powerful ally in John and Elizabeth\'s fight for the progressive cause. Big Business PAC\'s have financially backed Gilda\'s opponent, while Gilda has been reaching out and winning supporters, one person at a time. Gilda has an active group of supporters who have responded to her charm, her common sense political views and feisty never-give-up attitude. From local unions like the Teachers Federation of Louisiana to the 4,000 member United Transportation Union, Gilda\'s message has been heard and overwhelmingly embraced. Running as an unabashed Democrat, she even received an \"A\" rating from the NRA! The people of this district, long-abandoned to the Republicans, need to have their voices heard, which is why I strongly hope for an Edwards endorsement of Gilda Reed. Please join me urging John and Elizabeth to endorse and support Gilda Reed for Louisiana\'s 1st Congressional District! Gilda\'s website: WeNeedReed.com Phone: 504-287-4328 Fax: 504-910-4491