Celebrities stepping up for Obama health overhaul effort
By APWednesday, October 7, 2009
Obama turning to Hollywood for health reform help
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is enlisting Hollywood celebrities including actress Rosario Dawson and musician Will.I.Am to draw attention to his health care overhaul agenda.
The performers will act as celebrity judges for a TV commercial contest set up by Organizing for America, the Obama political organization that’s part of the Democratic National Committee.
Organizing for America last month invited supporters to create and submit 30-second ads in support of remaking health care. The winning one will be aired nationally.
In addition to Dawson and Will.I.Am, the panel of judges being announced by Organizing for America Wednesday consists of actors John Cho, Dule Hill, Brandon Routh, Kate Walsh and Olivia Wilde, and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane.
Also acting as judges will be Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, DNC Executive Director Jen O’Malley Dillon, Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., Obama campaign manager David Plouffe and some volunteers.
The video submissions are due Oct. 18 and they will be judged and the winner announced after that.
