Obama Administration Honors Ken Aden For His Public Service At The White House

Ken Aden's campaign slogan has been "People First," but it's a lot more than just a slogan. It's an organizing principle for how he runs his life. Ken is the Blue America-endorsed congressional candidate running in a tough as nails district in northwest Arkansas but Obama didn't invite him to the White House to talk campaign strategy. He invited him to the White House to recognize his community service and to meet with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to be part of the White House's first Cesar Chavez Champions of Change event. The invitation:

In honor of Cesar Chavez Day 2012, the White House will honor 10 leaders who, like Cesar Chavez, have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others throughout their community and across the Nation.  The Cesar Chavez Champions of Change will be honored at a ceremony at the White House on March 29, 2012. You are cordially invited!
 
“Champions of Change” is part of President Obama’s “Winning the Future," where we recognize a group of Americans, businesses, or organizations working to make a difference in our country. Different groups are highlighted each week ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community activists. The Office of Public Engagement solicited nominations to honor those who exemplify Cesar Chavez’ core values, including service to others, knowledge, innovation, acceptance of all people, and respect for life and the environment.  After receiving over 200 nominations, we have identified 10 Champions that work on diverse issues throughout the country.
 
Please join us to commemorate Cesar Chavez’ life and work and to honor those that continue his spirit of “Si Se Puede”/Yes We Can!

The event will be held on Thursday afternoon, March 29, Cesar Chavez Day. The invitation and honor came as a complete shock and surprise to Ken. "I'm at a loss for words to even be recognized for my work within some of poorest communities of the state," he said. "It came as a total surprise to receive the email from the White House. There's simply nothing better than tirelessly working hard to make a difference. Many non profit organizations are working everyday behind the scenes to make the lives of so many people better. I miss my community work and hope to return to the non profit sector one day."  

While Ken is in DC this week, he won't be on the campaign trail back in Arkansas and he won't be raising money in a tough race against a dedicated one-percenter, Steve Womack. If you'd like to help make up the deficit... you can do it here.