July 7, 2008
Tracey Brooks Pledges to Protect Kids from Gun Violence
Asks local communities to join
her in keeping our kids safe and illegal guns off our streets
In the wake of
repeated local gun violence and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks today asked local communities, law enforcement agencies
and gun safety advocates to join her in a renewed pledge to keep our kids safe,
keep guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals.
“Our families -- and our children in particular -- deserve to
live in their communities, play in their yards and walk down their streets
without the fear of gun violence,” said Brooks. “While the Supreme Court did
strike down an outright gun ban, the Court also affirmed governments’ right to regulate
firearms and keep our communities safe.”
[Click
here to read the full release]June 25, 2008
Tracey Brooks Hosts First Telephone Town Hall Meeting in
the 21st Congressional District
Thousands of Capital Region Voters Invited to Participate
Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks hosted a telephone town hall meeting this evening with
thousands of voters from across all seven counties of the 21st
Congressional District talking about issues like ending the war in Iraq,
passing a single-payer health care plan, protecting a woman’s right to choose
and putting an end to out-of-control gas prices. What’s clear is that the more
voters get to know Tracey the more they like her.
“I’m
really excited about this new way to connect with people in our district and
talk directly to them about the issues they care about,” Brooks said. “The
telephone town hall is a great use of technology in reaching voters and we’re
the first in this race to offer this new opportunity, as we did with YouTube
videos, online volunteer registration, online fundraising, and internet social
networking tools.”
Brooks
continued: “I am encouraged by the strong show of support for and the success
of our telephone town hall. The callers and I engaged in some great
conversations, tackled tough issues and made personal connections. Our
campaign is gaining momentum every day and with a growing list of
volunteers and supporters I know our message of change will reach every
corner of the district.”
[Click
here to listen to audio]
June 23, 2008
NY-21: Blog Interview with Tracey Brooks
1-on1 with Robert Harding 
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of speaking with NY-21 Democratic candidate Tracey Brooks. After about a half-hour
on the phone with Brooks I realized how difficult the primary must be in the
21st. Brooks is a very intelligent and very engaging candidate who displayed
strong progressive values during our conversation. In a crowded field of
candidates, that can be lost in the shuffle. Brooks has a lot to offer and
would be a great representative for the people of the 21st.
[Click
here to read the full interview]
June 23, 2008 Albany Project Blog: NY-21, NY-29: Brooks, Massa in Top Ten for Most Money Raised on ActBlue
by: Robert Harding
From June 9 to June 16, two New York
Democratic congressional candidates were in
the top ten for money raised on ActBlue.
Eric Massa, who is challenging Rep. Randy Kuhl in NY-29, was sixth for the
week of June 9-16 raising $10,397.68. NY-21 Democratic candidate came in 10th place with
$7,750.00 raised for the week.
ActBlue provided write-ups on each of the candidates who finished in the top
ten. Here is what they had to say about Massa
and Brooks.
On Brooks:
Attorney Tracey Brooks is aiming to succeed Democratic Rep.
Mike McNulty, who will retire next year after holding the congressional seat
for 20 years. Brooks, a former program director at Catholic Charities who
served on Senator Clinton's regional staff, is the only woman vying for the
nomination, and it is projected that she will face at least seven other
candidates in the state's September primary. Brooks was the Democratic nominee
for the New York State Assembly, 108th District, in 2002, and came within three
points of an upset victory over a ten-year Republican incumbent.
What do you say New York?
Let's keep Massa and Brooks in the
top ten.
June 23, 2008 Tracey Brooks Celebrates the Anniversary of Title IX
Calls for Continued Efforts to Truly
Level the Playing Field between Men and Women
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks today recognized the
36th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the
federal statute prohibiting sex-discrimination in education programs and
activities that receive federal financial assistance, most commonly known for
creating opportunities for women and girls in athletics.
“While tremendous progress has been made through Title IX to
root out gender discrimination and inequalities in athletics and education,
there’s still a great deal of work ahead to truly level the playing field
between men and women,” said Brooks. “As a female student-athlete and a coach
of young women and girls, I saw the benefits of participation in sports and the
life-lessons learned through team-work, discipline and competition.”
[Click
here to read the full release]June 19, 2008
National
Association for Uniformed Services Recognizes
Tracey Brooks for
Her Support of Veterans
Brooks
Also Continues to Call for Enhanced Benefits and Services for Our Veterans 
Tracey Brooks recently accepted the appreciation
and support of the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) for her
outstanding efforts on behalf of all service members, retirees and
veterans.
[Click
here to read the full release]June 18, 2008
Tracey Brooks Calls on All Candidates to Sign the
Voters First Pledge
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today urged all candidates in the 21st
Congressional race to support clean money and clean elections by joining her in
signing the “Voters First Pledge.”
[Click
here to read the full release]June 17, 2008
Brooks Supports Albany County Young
Democrats
Attends
Annual Installation Event
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks attended the Albany
County Young Democrats (ACYD) Annual Installation Celebration Monday evening at
the Albany Institute of History & Art.
The Young Dems honored retiring Congressman Michael McNulty for his
years of service to the 21st Congressional District. [Click
here to read the full release]
June 16, 2008
National Organization for Women PAC Endorses
Tracey Brooks in New York’s 21st Congressional
District The National Organization for Women (NOW) PAC today announced their
endorsement of Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks in New
York’s 21st Congressional District.
“The National Organization for Women PAC is pleased to
announce our endorsement of Tracey Brooks for Congress,” said Kim Gandy, NOW
President and Chairwoman of the NOW PAC, the largest and most comprehensive
feminist advocacy organization in the United
States. “Tracey is an outspoken voice for a
women’s right to choose and will fight against measures that criminalize women
and doctors.” [Click
here to read the full release]
June 15, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Marks Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15
Brooks
attends concert with her father
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks took part in a local
Father’s Day tradition and joined her father for the Sixth Annual Father’s Day
Pops Concert at Albany’s Riverfront
Park, Sunday, June 15.
“This concert is a wonderful way to spend time with my
father and for us to enjoy the day,” Brooks said. [Click
here to read the full release]
June 14, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Marks Flag Day, June 14
Saturday, June 14 marks Flag Day, the 231st
anniversary of the day Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official
flag of the United States
in 1777.
“Flag Day is a wonderful time to pause and reflect upon the
meaning and symbolism of our flag,” Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks said.
“For one thing, the flag symbolizes strength and courage for the men and women
who wear it on their military, law enforcement, firefighter and other
uniforms.”
[Click
here to read the full release]June 14, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Meets with Waterford Residents
at Strawberry Festival; Hears Their Concerns
As part of her ongoing tour of the communities in the 21st
Congressional District, Tracey Brooks visited Strawberry Festival in Waterford on
Friday, June 13. She heard from residents about a variety of issues facing them
and their community. [Click
here to read the full release]June 13, 2008 Tracey Brooks Ranked on ActBlue’s List of
Top 10 National Democratic Fundraisers
For Week of June 4-11
Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks today announced that ActBlue, the nation’s
largest online fundraising source for Democrats, named her to their
first weekly ActBlue Campaign Newswire National Top 10 Online
Fundraising List for the week of June 4-11.
The list includes Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama and Senator Mark Warner from Virginia.
[Click
here to read the full release]
June 12, 2008 Statement from Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Regarding the Women
Against War Peace Vigil in Colonie this Evening
“I stand with the members of Women Against War and the other groups
holding the important vigil this evening to urge the U.S.
and Israel to
engage Iran in
diplomatic negotiations... [Click
here to read the full release]June 11, 2008
O’Brien backs Brooks
June 11, 2008 at 6:23 pm by Kenneth C. Crowe II, staff writer
Rensselaer
County Legislature Minority Leader Ginny O’Brien, D-East Greenbush, has
endorsed Tracey Brooks to succeed U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, D-Green
Island, in the 21st Congressional District.
[Click
here to read the full release]
June 10, 2008 "Upstreamzine.wordpress.com: It’s The Energy Crisis, Stupid."
Part 4. Tracey Brooks Also Calls For The Government To Help Curb Rising Fuel Prices
In
the wake of another reported failed airlines merger and climbing
airfares due to sky-rocketing jet fuel prices, Congressional candidate
Tracey Brooks called for federal action to address out-of-control jet
and other fuel prices that continue to drive down the economy,
eliminate local jobs, and make basic necessities like groceries and
transportation more expensive for upstate families.
[Click
here to read the full release]
June 8, 2008 Tracey Brooks Walks in Annual CAPITAL PRIDE Parade
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today joined thousands
of supporters marching in the Capital Pride 2008 parade sponsored by the
Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council (CDGLCC).
“I congratulate the Capital District Gay and Lesbian
Community Council on putting together such a wonderful week of events and a
spectacular parade,” said Brooks. “The success of Capital Pride 2008 is a
testament to both the hard work of CDGLCC and the many community supporters who
participated in this year’s events.” [Click
here to read the full release]June 1, 2008
Tracey Brooks Calls for Federal Action to Address
Soaring Fuel Prices
Rising Jet Fuel Prices – Like Gas Prices –
Threaten Our Transportation System, Weaken Our Economy and Hurt Our Families
In the wake of another reported failed airlines merger and
climbing airfares due to sky-rocketing jet fuel prices, Congressional candidate
Tracey Brooks today called for federal action to address out-of-control fuel
prices that continue to drive down the economy, eliminate local jobs, and make
basic necessities like groceries and transportation more expensive for upstate
families. [Click
here to read the full release]
May 31, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Pledges Support to LGBT Community
Unveils LGBT Platform and Announces
Participation in CAPITAL PRIDE 2008
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today offered support to
the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council (CDGLCC) and announced
plans to participate in CAPITAL PRIDE 2008, which runs from May 29 to June 8.
Brooks also unveiled her platform on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
issues and offered a pledge of steadfast support to the LGBT community. [Click
here to read the full release]
May 31, 2008
Tracey Brooks Congratulates Thousands of Participants
in 30th Freihofer’s Run for Women
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today joined Mayor
Jennings and thousands of people who lined the streets of downtown Albany
to cheer on more than 3,000 participants in the 30th Freihofer’s Run
for Women.
The annual event draws women of all ages, ranging from
Olympic athletes to first-time amateur runners. But regardless of age or skill,
and no matter whether they run or walk, all participants are striving for one
goal---to make it to the finish line. [Click
here to read the full release]
May 30, 2008
Tracey Brooks Attends Ceremony and Applauds Donation
for New Habitat Home Built in Honor of Fallen Albany Firefighter
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today joined Mayor
Jerry Jennings at the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity home built in
honor of fallen Albany firefighter
Teddy Abriel.
On a cold day in February 2007, Teddy Abriel answered the
call and rushed up six flights of stairs to a burning apartment. It cost him
his life. In honor of Teddy’s courage and sacrifice, State Farm Insurance today
donated $10,000 towards the Habitat for Humanity home being built with new
residential fire-prevention technology.
“Teddy Abriel is a true hero, a man who gave his life for
others,” said Brooks. “This generous donation from State Farm Insurance and
this wonderful Habitat project which is part of Albany’s
Strong Community initiative is a
wonderful tribute to Teddy Abriel.” [Click
here to read the full release]
May 29, 2008 Tracey Brooks Attends Capital District Area Labor
Federation’s Annual Labor Appreciation Gala
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks attended the Capital
District Area Labor Federation-AFL-CIO Labor Appreciation Gala this evening in
honor of Prairie Wells and Assemblyman Bob Reilly.
“I congratulate both Assemblyman Reilly and Prairie Wells in
receiving much-deserved recognition for their strong support of organized
labor,” said Brooks. “I also commend the Capital District Area Labor Federation
for all they do for labor and our community.” [Click
here to read the full release]
May 29, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks Calls for Enhanced Benefits and Services for Our Veterans
Supports new G.I. bill and State Capitol Rally for Vets
Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks today called for enhanced veterans’ benefits
and services, applauded those who voted for the new G.I. Bill and
voiced support for the New York State Council of Veterans
Organizations' rally held today at the State Capitol.
“Our
troops have done their job and now it’s time to bring our sons and
daughters home from Iraq and give them the federal and state resources
they need to rejoin our workforce, rejoin our communities and, most
importantly, rejoin their families,” said Brooks.
[Click
here to read the full release]
May 21, 2008 Tracey Brooks Picks Up All Local Endorsements
In Town of Coeymans and Village of Ravena
Brooks Gets Full Hometown Support
Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks today announced that she has been endorsed by
the supervisor and entire board in the Town of Coeymans, as well as, by
the mayor and all trustees in the Village of Ravena.
"I'm
proud to stand with all of my colleagues to enthusiastically support
and endorse our friend, our neighbor, and hometown Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks," said Coeymans Supervisor Ronald K. Hotaling,
Jr.
"Tracey Brooks has demonstrated a commitment to improving the
quality of life for ordinary citizens and has worked hard to secure
investments in our community and in local communities throughout the
Capital Region," Hotaling continued. "Tracey Brooks can relate to the
struggles of hard working middle-class families trying to pay for
college, get quality health care, or earn a living wage because that's
the type of family and community she comes from – a place where
'everyone knows your name' and where people matter."
[Click
here to read the full release]
May 19, 2008
Tracey Brooks Radio Interview: AM1570, WVTL, Amsterdam
Tracey
chats with Bob Cudmore about the success of her Congressional campaign,
the issues and priorities that matter to people in the Capital Region,
and the support she is receiving from throughout the district.
To download the interview click here.
May 14, 2008 Tracey Brooks Acknowledges
the
60th
Anniversary of the State of Israel
Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks today acknowledged the 60th Anniversary of
the State of Israel, noting the triumph of democracy amid the challenges and
struggles of the Middle East.
“On this,
the 60th Anniversary of the independent State of Israel, it is
important to reflect upon the resolve of the Jewish people and the importance
of our relationship with Israel,” said Brooks, a
candidate to replace Rep. Michael McNulty in the 21st Congressional
District.
[Click
here to read the full release].
May 8, 2008 Congressional Candidate
Tracey Brooks Proposes Seven-Point Plan To Address Record Gas
Prices
Brooks and Local Gas Station Owner Ask: “Where is
all the gas money going?” 
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks today proposed a
seven-point plan to combat skyrocketing gas prices that are crushing
middle-class families, hurting small businesses and forcing our nation into a
recession. Brooks called for an end to the big oil company price gouging
that has led to record-breaking profits paid for on the backs of hard-working
Americans.
“The Bush Administration’s failed energy, economic and
foreign policies have led to gas prices jumping over 250 percent in less than
eight years and doubling this year alone, with big oil profits nearly mirroring
those huge price increases,” said Brooks, standing with local gas
station/mini-mart owner Mac Brownson. “After years of the same failed ideas, a
lack of any real energy plan, and an inability to pass meaningful legislation,
we need a new kind a leadership that can create real change through meaningful
solutions.” [Click
here to read the full release].
May 6, 2008
Women’s Campaign Forum Endorses Tracey Brooks in the
21st Congressional District 
Women’s Campaign Forum (WCF), a non-partisan pro-choice
national membership organization dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in
public life, has announced their endorsement of Tracey Brooks in the 21st
Congressional District. [Click
here to read the full release].
May 1, 2008
Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks Blasts the Bush Administration and Big Oil
Companies for Record Gas Prices and Record Profits
Brooks Discussed Failed Policies of the Past and Proposed Solutions for the Future
Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks today laid out her commitment to help
middle-class families deal with crushing gas and related food prices,
by proposing short-term conservation and long-term alternative energy
solutions. Brooks blasted the Bush Administration’s failed policies
which have resulted in high prices at the pump and big oil companies’
record-breaking profits...
[Click
here to read the full release].
[Click here to view Times Union "No Cure For Painful Gas Prices"]
April 27, 2008
"Hamlet and All the Others"
The Albany Times-Union recently summed up the state of the race.
"It
should shake down to three serious contenders: Tonko, attorney Tracey
Brooks of Coeymans and Albany County Legislator Phil Steck of Colonie.
The front-runner at the moment is Tracey Brooks, and she just might
stay there."
The piece goes on to say that
"Brooks
ran a surprisingly strong shoe-leather campaign for Assembly in 2002,
against long-term and popular legislator Pat Casale ... Still, Brooks
raised a lot of eyebrows with her grass-roots style. She likes the
chicken dinner stuff that is the mother's milk of local politics. In
this regard, she would be the appropriate successor to Mike McNulty."
The piece also notes that "Brooks has strong labor support, and has been endorsed by Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings."
[Click here to read the full column].
April 22, 2008
Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks Calls for Pay Equity
Gloria Steinem Says We Need to
Elect Candidates like Tracey Brooks
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks today
recognized the national observance of Equal Pay Day and called on Congress and
the New York State Legislature to immediately pass equal pay bills.
"The concept behind Equal Pay Day is
quite simple: women should be paid the same as men for the same work,"
said Brooks. "April 22nd represents how much longer women have
to work – nearly four more months – to receive the same pay as men and we're
wearing red today to symbolize how far women and minorities are 'in the red'
with their pay."
On April 2, Brooks met with feminist activist
and author Gloria Steinem at the State Capitol to advocate for pay equity for
women. Ms. Steinem spoke at the Legislative Office Building and then held a town hall meeting sponsored by the
Capital District Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, and the New York State Pay
Equity Coalition (NYSPEC).
[Click
here to read the full release].
[Click here to view Times Union Capitol Confidential coverage..."We Can Do It"]
April 22, 2008
Tracey Brooks Celebrates Earth Day
Calls for Enhanced Environmental Protection
and Energy Conservation Efforts and More Funding for Renewable Energy
Development and Climate Change Research
Congressional Candidate
Tracey Brooks today announced her support of Earth Day calling for enhanced
environmental protection and energy conservation efforts and more funding for
renewable energy development, alternative fuels and climate change research.
"Each year, we celebrate
Earth Day as a reminder of what we can and should be doing 365 days a year to
help protect our planet, preserve the environment and find cleaner, more
renewable ways to fuel our cars, heat and cool our homes and produce the energy
we need for economic development," said Brooks, a candidate to replace Rep.
Michael McNulty in the 21st Congressional District. [Click
here to read the full release].
April 14, 2008
Tracey Brooks Leads all Candidates in Money Raised
from Donors Raising over $175,000 in Just Seven Weeks
Fundraising Strength, Important Local
Endorsements, Labor Union Support, Volunteer Efforts and District Tours all add to Campaign Momentum
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today announced raising
over $175,000 in just seven weeks, with all of her first quarter contributions designated
for the Democratic primary. As of April 1, her campaign had over $152,000 cash
on hand. [Click
here to read the full release].
April 13, 2008
Tracey Brooks
Discusses the Impact of Rising Food and Gas Prices
Brooks Talks with
Residents and Small Business Owners about Real Solutions to the Economic
Problems Facing Local Families
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks today met with local
residents and small business owners to discuss the impact of rising food and
gas prices on household budgets across the Capital Region.
“We need to ease the squeeze on our local middle-class,”
said Brooks, a Democratic candidate in the 21st Congressional
District. “From working families trying to make ends meet, to seniors living on
fixed incomes, to individuals just trying to make it on their own, we can’t
afford to wait any longer as seven years of Bush Administration policies have
left us with out-of-control prices for gas and basic commodities that make it more
difficult for most Americans to keep up, let alone get ahead.” [Click
here to read the full release].
[Click
here to view Capital News 9's coverage and video].
April 2, 2008
Gloria Steinem and Tracey Brooks Call for Equal Pay
Ms. Steinem says we need to elect candidates like Tracey Brooks
Tracey Brooks today met with legendary feminist activist and
author Gloria Steinem at the State Capitol to advocate for pay equity for women.
“We won't truly have a democracy until Congress looks a lot
more like the country,” said Ms. Steinem. “We need to elect Congressional
candidates like Tracey Brooks -- smart, experienced, hard working and devoted
to voting as if everyone mattered...”
[Click
here to read the full release].
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