Tuesday, August 31, 2010
10:06 AM
Obey recognized by democracy advocacy group
Retiring U.S. Rep. Dave Obey has been named one of three winners of the 2010 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
The award honors "extraordinary efforts to advance electoral participation and democratic values," and is given annually to one Democrat, one Republican and one international advocate. Obey, D-Wausau, joined M. Peter McPherson -- former USAID administrator under President Reagan -- and Lebanese official Ziad Baroud as this year's winners.
Obey was recognized for advocating funding for democracy assistance groups across the globe as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
"Funding is the lifeblood of any democracy organization and Rep. Obey has consistently pressed for funding these groups," IFES Board of Directors Chairman Peter Kelly said in a statement. "(H)e has acted as the ‘conscience of the Congress.'"
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