The Campaign for America's Future today named Darcy Burner as executive director of the American Progressive Caucus Policy Foundation. Burner, who worked for Microsoft before starting a political career, twice ran for Congress in Washington's 8th district, in 2006 and 2008, and lost narrowly both times to Republican Rep. Dave Reichert.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3), not a lobbying shop, but the mission is to advocate for progressive causes. "The country saw an unbelievable number of people participating in the political process in order to set the nation on a more progressive course," said Burner. "To the extent that we [the caucus] can do more to connect these people to what our Congress is doing, it will be very healthy for our democracy."

In that spirit, the organization held a seminar this week with experts on Afghanistan as part of its 'Re-thinking National Security' series. Video clips of the seminar are being distributed to individuals and organizations interested in becoming better informed on the issue.

Burner proved her fundraising prowess this past election cycle by putting more in her campaign chest than incumbent Reichert, $4.3 million versus $2.9 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Rainmaking skills that may be helpful in her new role, but Burner does not plan to run for office in 2010. She promised her husband she would sit out the next cycle.

                                                                                                              -- Eliza Krigman