John Hall (D-NY) for House

John Hall

Running for: House
Party: Democrat
State: New York - 19th District
What you should know: John is the a co-founder of Musicians United for Safe Energy.

John Hall was one of a number of candidates in 2006 who won election against a well-established incumbent by challenging them over their support for the war in Iraq. He defeated Republican Sue Kelly who was first elected to represent the 19th Congressional District in New York's Hudson River Valley in 1994. She was a solid supporter of President Bush on the war and in 2006 this proved to be her undoing.

John Hall ran on a peace platform, calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and sharply criticizing Kelly for her votes supporting Bush policies. His principled positions struck a chord with voters disenchanted with the quagmire in Iraq. Hall won a narrow victory with 51% of the vote.

John Hall is an excellent campaigner - a charismatic candidate with a colorful background. Originally a musician, he was one of the founders of the rock band Orleans and wrote a string of hit songs in the 1970s. He made headlines during the 2004 Presidential election when he called the George W. Bush campaign and told them to stop using his song "Still the One" at campaign rallies which they had been doing without his permission.

In 1977, Hall left the band. While continuing to write and perform music, his attention shifted to political activism. Nuclear issues in general and nuclear weapons in particular have been of focus of his political work. He was a co-founder of Musicians United for Safe Energy, which sponsored a series of "No Nukes" all-star concerts that culminated in a rally in New York City calling for nuclear disarmament attended by over 200,000 people.

Hall was also active with Mid-Hudson Nuclear Opponents, which successfully fought the building of a nuclear power plant on the Hudson River in Greene County. While living in Saugerties, John co-founded Saugerties Concerned Citizens, and helped write the town's first zoning laws. He also served for two years in the Ulster Country Legislature.

Hall's razor thin margin of victory in 2006 guarantees that Republican strategists will target this district in 2008. Several Republican politicians have expressed interest in the race. A multi-millionaire business executive who can fund his own campaign has already formally declared his candidacy..

Hall will need your help to fend off the Republican challenge. You can help this pro-peace, anti-nuclear advocate by making a contribution.

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