South Burlington, VT - The former Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Carol Browner, joined prominent Vermont women to campaign for Peter Welch, candidate for U.S. Congress, today at a well-attended rally in South Burlington.

The women's rally was the culmination of a series of "Women for Welch" events held over the course of the campaign. The focus of these events has been on energizing women around the state to vote for Welch and actively support the campaign in his bid for Congress. "Women for Welch" was started by a group of supporters this summer.

"I'm proud to have the support of so many women who serve as leaders in our communities and are experts at everything from running a successful business to packing a good school lunch," said Welch. "They know, as I do, the importance of changing the direction of our country."

"This campaign is about taking our country in a new direction and women around the state know first hand the dire need for that change," Welch added.

Among the women joining Welch today were Governor Madeleine Kunin, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, Senator Ginny Lyons, Lola Van Wagenen, Jane Stetson, Carol Ode, Mary Sullivan, and Sandra Baird.

Browner, who served as head of the EPA under President Bill Clinton, is currently a principal at The Albright Group, along with former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

Browner served as keynote speaker and highlighted the need to elect leaders like Welch who have strong records of environmental protection. Welch has led in Vermont combating Mercury pollution, supporting alternative energy, and passing global warming legislation.

Citing the environmental record of the Bush Administration and Republican Congress, Browner noted "There is a solution. The solution is Democratic control of Congress. The solution is people like Peter Welch."

Among the accomplishments of Browner during her eight year tenure were enacting the strongest-ever national air pollution standards, creating innovative and flexible alternatives to traditional regulatory programs, and leveraging more than $1 billion in public and private funds to cleanup brownfields.

"Carol Browner is a leader who stood up for sound environmental policies, followed science, and provided guiding influence in the Clinton Administration," said Welch.