I am a Democrat because progress is our heritage.

But progress must also be our future. The centerpiece of our 2008 campaign was a pledge to change Washington. That was never just a question of new legislation or oversight. It meant changing how politics is practiced.

That is why, with President Obama and other party leaders, I have worked to build today’s Democratic Party. Now, more than ever, Democrats are focused on organizing. Guided by the support of millions of Americans, we are working for change that matters in communities in every state.

Neither Republicans nor Democrats can claim a monopoly on virtue, but as a party, Democrats have made a choice to take on the special interests to reduce the power they hold over the political system.

Today, we are introducing a new vision for ourselves. For Democrats, our focus on change that matters is the same, but the look is very different. It is a visible reminder of our commitment to build a better country for everyone.

From Jefferson to Roosevelt, Kennedy to Clinton, those with a commitment to moving America forward have called themselves Democrats. Their accomplishments — from the Civil Rights Act to Social Security, the Apollo missions to the Marshall Plan — are landmarks on the map of history.

In the past year, with your help, we have built on the work of those who came before us.

We delivered on the promise of Truman and LBJ and reformed a health care system that was broken.

We built on the work of FDR to regulate Wall Street, delivered the toughest financial reforms passed in this country since the Great Depression and created the strongest consumer protections of all time.

But our commitment to a fair and lasting prosperity lives on, and our work to renew the foundation of this country is not finished. The forces who opposed us at every turn are resurgent. They want to repeal everything Democrats have worked so hard to accomplish and elect Republicans beholden to special interests.

A return to the same old ways of Washington is something we cannot stand for — and it will require a new focus from Democrats to ensure we move forward and not backwards.

In every state, our staff, organizers, and volunteers are prepared to confront the powers of the status quo.

And while Republicans call in favors from the special interests and hope for a flood of negative ads funded with their cash, we pay for our work with grassroots donations.

The contrast between our party and theirs could not be more clear, and the new look for Democrats is intended to make that very point.

Thanks,