"With the selection of Senator Joe Lieberman as his running mate, Al Gore has made a bold and powerful statement about the direction in which he wants to lead America.

"The choice of a running mate is the first real test of a presidential nominee. By selecting Senator Lieberman, Vice-President Gore has made a clear distinction to look toward the future, rather than the past.

"As Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, Senator Lieberman has helped expand the New Democrat movement across the United States. He has led as a progressive centrist committed both to the enduring values of the Democratic Party and to its modernization.

"Throughout his career as a state senator, attorney general and U.S. senator, Lieberman has brought the highest amount of integrity to public office. He is an independent thinker and a reformer with broad appeal across the entire political spectrum.

"His presence on the Democratic ticket will undoubtedly strengthen its appeal to supporters of Sen. John McCain and other critical swing voters in the fall election.

"Senator Joe Lieberman is a terrific choice for America, the Democratic Party and the New Democrat movement. With his choice, Al Gore has reinforced the progress the Democratic Party has made in the last eight years in reoccupying the political center."

For more information on Senator Lieberman's involvement in New Democrat Movement, web users may go to "New Democrats Online" (www.ndol.org).