For Immediate Release

Contact: Mike Kirk, 202-226-6970

U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (D,CT) of the First District today called Vice President Gore's choice of Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman as his running mate "a bold and brilliant decision."

Larson, speaking from his hometown of East Hartford this morning said, "This is an historic moment for Connecticut and for people of the Jewish faith." This, following the news that Gore had selected Lieberman as his running mate, which Larson said speaks volumes to the kind of President that Al Gore will be. Larson added that for Gore to put aside any kind of religious issues and focus on the best person for the job says a lot about this campaign. Larson also said that the selection was evidence that the Democratic Party is the true party of inclusion.

"As a Catholic, I vividly remember the day that John F. Kennedy was nominated at the Democratic National Convention as the first Catholic presidential candidate. Now, forty years later, at next week's Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, the first Jewish vice presidential candidate in American history will be nominated," said Larson, who added that the decision will provide a tremendous start to the convention.

Congressman Larson said his friend and colleague, Joe Lieberman, is also the right choice for vice president because he has never been afraid to fight the powerful. He has taken on "big tobacco," the oil industry, and the entertainment business for violence in films and on television.

Larson also stated, "Joe Lieberman is affectionately known as the conscience of the Senate."