Congress Ends Year By Approving Disappointing Budget
As the year comes to a close, Congress has been working to approve a budget for the 2008 fiscal year, and the final result was a disappointment for Democrats. On Wednesday, the House made its final vote to approve the budget as many Democrats voted against the bill, with a vote of 272-142. Earlier in the week, the House approved a budget that did not include funding for the war in Iraq, but these funds were added when the bill went to the Senate. The end result is a budget that provides an unrestricted $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through next spring.
This bill concludes a difficult year for Democrats in Congress. Consistently falling short of a two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, Congress has failed to reach many of the goals set after Democrats' electoral victory in 2006. In addition, some Democrats have sided with Republicans on difficult issues, like the war in Iraq. Russ Feingold, the Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, put it well when he said, “Until Democrats stand together, it's going to be difficult to draw Republicans to our side.”
Democratic leaders continue to offer a hopeful perspective for next year, but it is clear that we need to demand change with the 2008 election. With the current trends in presidential preference (see the newest polling data below), we are hopeful that a Democrat will be in the White House. Even so, it remains essential that progressive Democrats be elected to the House and Senate, so that the legislation that reaches the next president's desk reflects real Democratic values. The only way to do this is to support candidates like those that DAPAC endorses.
Latest Presidential and Congressional Polls Show Continuing Democratic Strength
In polling data released by Gallup on Wednesday, Democrats remain in the lead in head-to-head presidential match-ups. This national poll pitted frontrunners against each other, and the results were:
Clinton 49%
Giuliani 48%
Obama 51%
Giuliani 45%
Clinton 53%
Huckabee 44%
Obama 53%
Huckabee 42%
Clinton 52%
Romney 46%
Obama 57%
Romney 39%
The poll also explored respondents' Congressional preferences. It asked: If the elections for Congress were being held today, which party's candidate would you vote for in your congressional district? Nationally, 53% of registered voters chose the Democratic candidate, and 40% chose the Republican.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Weekly Update (12/14/07)
Destroyed CIA Interrogation Tapes Raise Questions about Agency and Bush Administration
This week, the House Intelligence Committee began what will most likely be a long-term investigation of the CIA., looking into the destruction of tapes showing the interrogation of suspected Al Queda operatives. These tapes are said to have shown the controversial waterboarding interrogation technique, which is widely regarded as torture. The interrogations took place in 2002, and the tapes were destroyed in 2005, after a court order mandated that the CIA retain and identify all materials related to the treatment of detainees in the agency's custody. These same detainees have been refused many legal rights, and now the Bush administration will also be questioned regarding what it knew about the CIA tapes and their destruction.
This issue illustrates the need for change in the government, starting with the election of progressive Democrats. The country cannot continue down this path – only more obstructions of justice will occur, as we lose the most basic and central American rights and values. DAPAC's Congress members and candidates will work to ensure that we have a lawful government and a just society.
SCHIP Vetoed Again By Bush, Killing the Expansion of Popular Children's Healthcare Program
President Bush has again vetoed a bill expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and this move will make it impossible to cover all the children in need of health insurance. Democrats fought to get the bill passed, but were unable to override the first veto in October. For now, Congress will likely extend the current program, and will possibly bring the expansion up again prior to the 2008 elections, when Republicans will face extra pressure from their districts to vote for this popular bill.
Updates From Our Endorsed Candidates
John Laesch, DAPAC's endorsed candidate running in Illinois' 14th district, is officially on the ballot for the special primary to fill Dennis Hastert's seat. John's campaign has successfully collected the needed signatures, and now his name will appear on the February 5th ballot.
Jay Footlik, our endorsed candidate running in Illinois 10th, recently earned the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 504, which is the largest union in the district. The union met with both Democratic candidates, and made their choice based on the quality and electability of each.
This week, the House Intelligence Committee began what will most likely be a long-term investigation of the CIA., looking into the destruction of tapes showing the interrogation of suspected Al Queda operatives. These tapes are said to have shown the controversial waterboarding interrogation technique, which is widely regarded as torture. The interrogations took place in 2002, and the tapes were destroyed in 2005, after a court order mandated that the CIA retain and identify all materials related to the treatment of detainees in the agency's custody. These same detainees have been refused many legal rights, and now the Bush administration will also be questioned regarding what it knew about the CIA tapes and their destruction.
This issue illustrates the need for change in the government, starting with the election of progressive Democrats. The country cannot continue down this path – only more obstructions of justice will occur, as we lose the most basic and central American rights and values. DAPAC's Congress members and candidates will work to ensure that we have a lawful government and a just society.
SCHIP Vetoed Again By Bush, Killing the Expansion of Popular Children's Healthcare Program
President Bush has again vetoed a bill expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and this move will make it impossible to cover all the children in need of health insurance. Democrats fought to get the bill passed, but were unable to override the first veto in October. For now, Congress will likely extend the current program, and will possibly bring the expansion up again prior to the 2008 elections, when Republicans will face extra pressure from their districts to vote for this popular bill.
Updates From Our Endorsed Candidates
John Laesch, DAPAC's endorsed candidate running in Illinois' 14th district, is officially on the ballot for the special primary to fill Dennis Hastert's seat. John's campaign has successfully collected the needed signatures, and now his name will appear on the February 5th ballot.
Jay Footlik, our endorsed candidate running in Illinois 10th, recently earned the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 504, which is the largest union in the district. The union met with both Democratic candidates, and made their choice based on the quality and electability of each.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Weekly Update (12/7/07)
House Democrats Pass Impressive Energy Bill
On Thursday, Democrats in the House passed an important energy bill that raises fuel economy standards, increases development of clean-energy technology, and reduces the production of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide. All of DAPAC's eight elected members of Congress voted in favor of the bill, and the overall vote in the House was 235-181.
Joe Courtney, a DAPAC-endorsed Congressman from Connecticut's 2nd district, stated, “This one piece of legislation achieves three goals. The bill helps consumers, protects the environment, and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil ... The President must know that we will never be able to drill our way out of the problem of high gas prices and I urge him to immediately sign this bill into law.”
The bill includes a 40% increase in the fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks sold in the US, and by 2022 it would increase the production of ethanol and other biofuels from 5 billion gallons a year today to 36 billion gallons a year. By 2020, Democrats estimate that 1.1 million barrels of oil could be saved every day.
President Bush has already said he will veto the bill if it remains in its current form. Additionally, cattlemen, coal producers, and multinational oil companies will be lobbying against the bill as it heads to the Senate. The bill will most likely undergo changes before it reaches the Senate floor, but Democrats in the Senate remain determined that a substantive energy bill will be passed and sent to Bush.
Access and Cost Top Americans' Health Concerns
A new Gallup Poll released this week asked the open ended question: What would you say is the most urgent health problem facing this country at the present time? Of those polled, 30% answered that access to health care is most urgent, and 26% named cost. After these top two responses, specific diseases were the most common answers, including cancer (14%), obesity (10%), AIDS (2%), and diabetes (2%).
Access and cost are relatively new health concerns among the American public, and as recently as two decades ago, virtually no one mentioned these issues as the most urgent problem. DAPAC's candidates understand the importance of health care reform, and all of our candidates support universal health care.
Congressional Primaries Arriving Soon
We are less than two months away from the start of the Congressional primary season. DAPAC already has two excellent progressive candidates running in the February 5th primary in Illinois, and we are actively screening other candidates for additional Illinois districts now. To help us in our efforts, please consider one last donation for the 2007 year. You can donate online by clicking here.
On Thursday, Democrats in the House passed an important energy bill that raises fuel economy standards, increases development of clean-energy technology, and reduces the production of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide. All of DAPAC's eight elected members of Congress voted in favor of the bill, and the overall vote in the House was 235-181.
Joe Courtney, a DAPAC-endorsed Congressman from Connecticut's 2nd district, stated, “This one piece of legislation achieves three goals. The bill helps consumers, protects the environment, and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil ... The President must know that we will never be able to drill our way out of the problem of high gas prices and I urge him to immediately sign this bill into law.”
The bill includes a 40% increase in the fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks sold in the US, and by 2022 it would increase the production of ethanol and other biofuels from 5 billion gallons a year today to 36 billion gallons a year. By 2020, Democrats estimate that 1.1 million barrels of oil could be saved every day.
President Bush has already said he will veto the bill if it remains in its current form. Additionally, cattlemen, coal producers, and multinational oil companies will be lobbying against the bill as it heads to the Senate. The bill will most likely undergo changes before it reaches the Senate floor, but Democrats in the Senate remain determined that a substantive energy bill will be passed and sent to Bush.
Access and Cost Top Americans' Health Concerns
A new Gallup Poll released this week asked the open ended question: What would you say is the most urgent health problem facing this country at the present time? Of those polled, 30% answered that access to health care is most urgent, and 26% named cost. After these top two responses, specific diseases were the most common answers, including cancer (14%), obesity (10%), AIDS (2%), and diabetes (2%).
Access and cost are relatively new health concerns among the American public, and as recently as two decades ago, virtually no one mentioned these issues as the most urgent problem. DAPAC's candidates understand the importance of health care reform, and all of our candidates support universal health care.
Congressional Primaries Arriving Soon
We are less than two months away from the start of the Congressional primary season. DAPAC already has two excellent progressive candidates running in the February 5th primary in Illinois, and we are actively screening other candidates for additional Illinois districts now. To help us in our efforts, please consider one last donation for the 2007 year. You can donate online by clicking here.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Weekly Update (11/30/07)
Senator Trent Lott Joins Resigning Republicans
This week, Trent Lott, Senator from Mississippi and minority whip, joined the growing list of Republican resignations from Congress. Lott will leave the Senate before the end of the year, which came as a surprise to many. It is speculated that he chose to resign so suddenly because, in doing so, he will avoid a new law which would prevent him from working as a lobbyist for an additional year.
Lott is the sixth Republican Senator to announce his retirement from this Congress, and in the House there have already been 17 Republican retirement announcements. Notably, Dennis Hastert, the former speaker of the House, formally resigned on Monday, and DAPAC candidate John Laesch will be running in a special election in Hastert's former district on a date to be determined by Illinois' governor.
The increasing number of Republican resignations adds to the hope for a historic Democratic victory in 2008. In the Senate, 23 Republican seats will be up for election, while only 12 seats currently held by Democrats are up for election. In the House, it is clear that many seats held by Republicans are trending Democratic, and DAPAC continues to target these seats and seek true progressive Democrats to take back our districts.
Former Congressman Henry Hyde died on Thursday. He ran the impeachment of Bill Clinton and he was my nemesis when I ran for Congress against him during the impeachment. -- Tom Cramer, President of DAPAC
Republicans, Struggling to Raise Money, Recruit Rich Candidates
In an historic change, Democrats are out-raising Republicans in Congressional campaigns, and Republicans are now changing their election strategies. In the most recent fundraising data from this cycle, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) had raised $56.6 million, while the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee (RCCC) had only raised $40.7 million. The most-telling data lies in the amounts of cash both organizations have on hand: the DCCC reported $29.2 million, while the RCCC had $2.5 million at its disposal.
Republicans are now actively recruiting independently wealthy candidates to make up for the fundraising weaknesses, and in a New York Times article, Republicans described this tactic as central to their plan for the 2008 election. These wealthy candidates include James Oberweis (R), an Illinois dairy magnate who is running in IL 14th, the same district as DAPAC-endorsed candidate John Laesch.
Although rich Republican candidates would seem to have an advantage, the results of the 2006 election show that this is not necessarily so. Of the ten candidates who spent the most amount of money from personal funds in their 2006 campaigns, only two actually won their races.
This week, Trent Lott, Senator from Mississippi and minority whip, joined the growing list of Republican resignations from Congress. Lott will leave the Senate before the end of the year, which came as a surprise to many. It is speculated that he chose to resign so suddenly because, in doing so, he will avoid a new law which would prevent him from working as a lobbyist for an additional year.
Lott is the sixth Republican Senator to announce his retirement from this Congress, and in the House there have already been 17 Republican retirement announcements. Notably, Dennis Hastert, the former speaker of the House, formally resigned on Monday, and DAPAC candidate John Laesch will be running in a special election in Hastert's former district on a date to be determined by Illinois' governor.
The increasing number of Republican resignations adds to the hope for a historic Democratic victory in 2008. In the Senate, 23 Republican seats will be up for election, while only 12 seats currently held by Democrats are up for election. In the House, it is clear that many seats held by Republicans are trending Democratic, and DAPAC continues to target these seats and seek true progressive Democrats to take back our districts.
Former Congressman Henry Hyde died on Thursday. He ran the impeachment of Bill Clinton and he was my nemesis when I ran for Congress against him during the impeachment. -- Tom Cramer, President of DAPAC
Republicans, Struggling to Raise Money, Recruit Rich Candidates
In an historic change, Democrats are out-raising Republicans in Congressional campaigns, and Republicans are now changing their election strategies. In the most recent fundraising data from this cycle, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) had raised $56.6 million, while the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee (RCCC) had only raised $40.7 million. The most-telling data lies in the amounts of cash both organizations have on hand: the DCCC reported $29.2 million, while the RCCC had $2.5 million at its disposal.
Republicans are now actively recruiting independently wealthy candidates to make up for the fundraising weaknesses, and in a New York Times article, Republicans described this tactic as central to their plan for the 2008 election. These wealthy candidates include James Oberweis (R), an Illinois dairy magnate who is running in IL 14th, the same district as DAPAC-endorsed candidate John Laesch.
Although rich Republican candidates would seem to have an advantage, the results of the 2006 election show that this is not necessarily so. Of the ten candidates who spent the most amount of money from personal funds in their 2006 campaigns, only two actually won their races.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Weekly Update (11/16/07)
Democrats Continue to Push for End to Iraq War
On Wednesday, the House approved a bill which allocates $50 billion for short-term funding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which includes deadlines and goals for troop withdrawal. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, leader of the House Out of Iraq Caucus, commented that, “While this bill is not perfect, it is the strongest Iraq bill to date.” The bill passed with a vote of 218-203, with all eight of DAPAC's endorsed members of Congress voting in favor.
The $50 billion allocated by this bill would fund the wars for approximately four months, and without it, the Pentagon would have to start dipping into its general budget. The bill requires that troop withdrawals begin 30 days after its enactment, and sets a goal for most combat troops being withdrawn by December 15, 2008. In addition, the bill requires that all detainees in US custody be interrogated under the standards laid out in the Army Field Manual, which is a significant measure aimed at preventing torture.
This bill will face a tougher fight in the Senate, where it will probably not receive the support needed to prevent a filibusterer. Regardless, Bush would most likely veto the bill if it arrives at his desk. In spite of this, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “Democrats are committed to bringing the American people what they deserve and demand: An end to President Bush's 10-year, trillion-dollar war.”
The struggle over this bill, and the many that have preceded it, illustrates why we need to elect a greater number of progressive Democrats to the House. Many of the Democrats currently serving want to set deadlines to end the Iraq war, but we have seen time and again that the votes to do so are not there. It seems likely that a Democrat will be elected president in 2008, and it is just as important that our Democratic candidates for Congress are elected, to ensure that the legislation reaching the president is progressive. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates commit, in writing, to support legislation to end the war in Iraq when elected to Congress.
New Polls from Iowa and New Hampshire Show Presidential Races Still Undecided
This week, the New York Times and CBS News released polling data from Iowa and New Hampshire, taken among potential caucus-goers and primary-voters, showing the current standing of the presidential contenders. When the respondents who will be participating in the Democratic caucus or primary were asked which candidate they would vote for today, the results were:
Iowa
Clinton 25 %
Edwards 23
Obama 22
Richardson 12
Biden 4
Dodd 1
Kucinich 1
Undecided 11
New Hampshire
Clinton 37
Obama 22
Edwards 9
Richardson 6
Kucinich 5
Biden 2
Dodd 1
Undecided 13
In both Iowa and New Hampshire, only 48% indicated that they had made up their minds about their choice; in contrast, 51% in Iowa and 52% in New Hampshire said that it is still too early to be sure.
On the Republican side, the results were:
Iowa
Romney 27
Huckabee 21
Giuliani 15
Thompson 9
McCain 4
Paul 4
Tancredo 3
Hunter 2
Undecided 10
New Hampshire
Romney 34
McCain 16
Giuliani 16
Paul 8
Huckabee 6
Thompson 5
Undecided 11
Republican voters were less decided than the Democrats, with 57% in Iowa and 66% in New Hampshire answering that it is still too early to decide on their choice.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Weekly Update (11/9/07)
House Overrides Bush for First Time on Water Projects Bill
This week, after the president vetoed an important water projects bill, the House of Representatives overrode Bush for the first time in his presidency. The vote to override passed easily, with 361 members voting in favor, and 54 against. The bill then went to the Senate, which also overrode Bush, with a vote of 79 to 14. Democrats hope that this effort serves as a turning point, and that Bush and the Republicans who continue to support him realize that they do not hold a monopoly on decision-making.
The bill allocates $23 billion to various water projects, and would bring funding to almost every congressional district in the country, including projects like dams and sewage-treatment plants. The bill also funds restoration of the Florida Everglades, and includes $3 billion for post-Katrina flood control projects, which Bush has been heavily criticized for vetoing.
State Elections Show Democratic Growth
Elections were held on Tuesday in many states, and Democrats gained control in a few notable races. In Kentucky, Democrat Steve Beshear defeated the Republican incumbent governor, bringing the total governorships held by Democrats to 28, and reducing the Republican number to 22. In addition, Democrats in Virginia gained control of the state senate for the first time in 12 years by picking up four seats. These victories signal the increasing support for Democratic candidates throughout the country, and show the great promise for Democrats in 2008.
Poll Shows Importance of Iraq and Economic Issues for 2008 Election
A poll conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post, released this week, asked respondents what issues are most important to them when considering their 2008 vote for president. As expected, Iraq was the most-named issue, with 45% of respondents citing the war. The economy was a strong second, with 30% of respondents naming it as one of their top two issues. In addition, nearly two-thirds rated the current economy negatively in the poll.
Clearly, Americans are tired of the Bush administration's failed economic policies, and are ready for change on the economic front, as well as on the Iraq war. This news bodes well for all Democratic candidates. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates commit in writing to responsible economic policies, including cutting Bush's tax cuts, increasing the minimum wage, and ending predatory lending practices, and also commit to taking immediate steps to end the Iraq war.
This week, after the president vetoed an important water projects bill, the House of Representatives overrode Bush for the first time in his presidency. The vote to override passed easily, with 361 members voting in favor, and 54 against. The bill then went to the Senate, which also overrode Bush, with a vote of 79 to 14. Democrats hope that this effort serves as a turning point, and that Bush and the Republicans who continue to support him realize that they do not hold a monopoly on decision-making.
The bill allocates $23 billion to various water projects, and would bring funding to almost every congressional district in the country, including projects like dams and sewage-treatment plants. The bill also funds restoration of the Florida Everglades, and includes $3 billion for post-Katrina flood control projects, which Bush has been heavily criticized for vetoing.
State Elections Show Democratic Growth
Elections were held on Tuesday in many states, and Democrats gained control in a few notable races. In Kentucky, Democrat Steve Beshear defeated the Republican incumbent governor, bringing the total governorships held by Democrats to 28, and reducing the Republican number to 22. In addition, Democrats in Virginia gained control of the state senate for the first time in 12 years by picking up four seats. These victories signal the increasing support for Democratic candidates throughout the country, and show the great promise for Democrats in 2008.
Poll Shows Importance of Iraq and Economic Issues for 2008 Election
A poll conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post, released this week, asked respondents what issues are most important to them when considering their 2008 vote for president. As expected, Iraq was the most-named issue, with 45% of respondents citing the war. The economy was a strong second, with 30% of respondents naming it as one of their top two issues. In addition, nearly two-thirds rated the current economy negatively in the poll.
Clearly, Americans are tired of the Bush administration's failed economic policies, and are ready for change on the economic front, as well as on the Iraq war. This news bodes well for all Democratic candidates. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates commit in writing to responsible economic policies, including cutting Bush's tax cuts, increasing the minimum wage, and ending predatory lending practices, and also commit to taking immediate steps to end the Iraq war.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Abner Mikva Endorses DAPAC
Abner Mikva is just one of many prominent Democratic leaders who has endorsed DAPAC. His name should be familiar, as he has recently been named as the mentor to Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Abner Mikva graduated from the Univeristy of Chicago Law School and went on to become a US Congressman in Illinois' 2nd Congressional district from 1969 to 1973, and Illinois' 10th from 1975-1979. Following that he was appointed to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where he served as chief judge until his retirement in 1994 to become the White House Counsel to Bill Clinton until 1995. He has also taught law at Northwestern University and at the University of Chicago.
Mikva has consistently been an advocate for progressive politics and his endorsement means a lot to us at DAPAC. Being backed by such a respected member of the progressive Democratic community means that DAPAC only endorses candidates who meet our strict requirements for progressive causes. These issues include, being 100% pro-choice, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, opposing the Iraq War, supporting stronger gay and lesbian rights, and many others.
Abner Mikva graduated from the Univeristy of Chicago Law School and went on to become a US Congressman in Illinois' 2nd Congressional district from 1969 to 1973, and Illinois' 10th from 1975-1979. Following that he was appointed to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where he served as chief judge until his retirement in 1994 to become the White House Counsel to Bill Clinton until 1995. He has also taught law at Northwestern University and at the University of Chicago.
Mikva has consistently been an advocate for progressive politics and his endorsement means a lot to us at DAPAC. Being backed by such a respected member of the progressive Democratic community means that DAPAC only endorses candidates who meet our strict requirements for progressive causes. These issues include, being 100% pro-choice, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, opposing the Iraq War, supporting stronger gay and lesbian rights, and many others.
Weekly Update (11/2/07)
DAPAC Announces Endorsement of Jay Footlik
We are pleased to announce our endorsement of Jay Footlik, who is running for Congress in Illinois's 10th district. Like all of DAPAC's candidates, Jay has pledged to vote progressively when elected to Congress on issues including choice, same-sex marriage, the environment, healthcare, and more. Footlik will be facing competition in the Democratic primary from a more conservative opponent, and also faces Republican incumbent Mark Kirk, who has portrayed himself as moderate, while actually acting as a rubber stamp for the Bush administration's policies.
Jay Footlik grew up in Skokie, Illinois, and learned about economic hardships first-hand as his mother worked to support the family. This background shaped his belief that political leaders have a responsibility to help citizens with quality schools, access to healthcare, and availability of jobs.
Footlik went on to earn a BA from UCLA, and a law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. His political career took off when he was working on Bill Clinton's 1992 bid for the presidency. When Clinton was elected, Jay was brought to the White House as Special Assistant to the President, working as the principal liaison to the American Jewish community. He has been involved in other political campaigns as well, including the Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign, where he worked as Senior Advisor on the Middle East and Jewish Affairs. In this position, Footlik shaped the political policies that led to the campaign's overwhelming support from the American Jewish community.
Currently, Jay works at the firm, DiNovo Strategies, Inc., which he co-founded. At the firm, Jay has worked on a variety of projects, both in Israel and at home, aimed at forging peace in the Middle East. In addition, Jay currently serves on the board of trustees for the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and on the board of directors for both American Friends of the Rabin Center and SAFE (Securing America's Future Energy), which aims to reduce America's oil dependency.
You can learn more about Jay Footlik by clicking here to visit his website. We will also post information on our website in the endorsed candidates section, which features all of DAPAC's endorsed, progressive candidates.
US Diplomats Challenge State Department on Iraq
The Bush administration's Iraq strategies continue to be criticized, and this week many US diplomats added their disapproval. These diplomats were uncharacteristically public with their blunt criticisms, after the State Department sent word that “directed assignments” to Iraq may begin next summer. This type of assignment has not been used since the late 1960s, when diplomats were sent involuntarily to Vietnam. The State Department stated that if enough diplomats do not volunteer to go to Iraq, assignments will be put in place for approximately fifty openings expected next summer. If diplomats refuse to be stationed in Iraq, they could risk losing their jobs.
The embassy in Iraq is the largest in US history. Although it is located in Baghdad's Green Zone, the embassy has been frequently under fire. Diplomats have also complained that they are unable to travel without heavy security. In addition, many diplomats feel that the training they receive – often just two weeks – prior to deployment to Iraq is inadequate; comparatively, diplomats going to Vietnam during the Vietnam War were given four to six months of special training. Together, these factors have made diplomacy in Iraq near impossible. One foreign service veteran said that service in Iraq is “a potential death sentence.”
According to a recent poll released by the Associated Press, only 12% of foreign service officers believe that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is fighting for them. In addition to the thousands of men and women serving in the military in Iraq, these government employees are needlessly put in harms way in Iraq. It is time for an end to Bush's failed Iraq strategy. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates will vote to put an end to the war in Iraq when elected to Congress.
We are pleased to announce our endorsement of Jay Footlik, who is running for Congress in Illinois's 10th district. Like all of DAPAC's candidates, Jay has pledged to vote progressively when elected to Congress on issues including choice, same-sex marriage, the environment, healthcare, and more. Footlik will be facing competition in the Democratic primary from a more conservative opponent, and also faces Republican incumbent Mark Kirk, who has portrayed himself as moderate, while actually acting as a rubber stamp for the Bush administration's policies.
Jay Footlik grew up in Skokie, Illinois, and learned about economic hardships first-hand as his mother worked to support the family. This background shaped his belief that political leaders have a responsibility to help citizens with quality schools, access to healthcare, and availability of jobs.
Footlik went on to earn a BA from UCLA, and a law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. His political career took off when he was working on Bill Clinton's 1992 bid for the presidency. When Clinton was elected, Jay was brought to the White House as Special Assistant to the President, working as the principal liaison to the American Jewish community. He has been involved in other political campaigns as well, including the Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign, where he worked as Senior Advisor on the Middle East and Jewish Affairs. In this position, Footlik shaped the political policies that led to the campaign's overwhelming support from the American Jewish community.
Currently, Jay works at the firm, DiNovo Strategies, Inc., which he co-founded. At the firm, Jay has worked on a variety of projects, both in Israel and at home, aimed at forging peace in the Middle East. In addition, Jay currently serves on the board of trustees for the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and on the board of directors for both American Friends of the Rabin Center and SAFE (Securing America's Future Energy), which aims to reduce America's oil dependency.
You can learn more about Jay Footlik by clicking here to visit his website. We will also post information on our website in the endorsed candidates section, which features all of DAPAC's endorsed, progressive candidates.
US Diplomats Challenge State Department on Iraq
The Bush administration's Iraq strategies continue to be criticized, and this week many US diplomats added their disapproval. These diplomats were uncharacteristically public with their blunt criticisms, after the State Department sent word that “directed assignments” to Iraq may begin next summer. This type of assignment has not been used since the late 1960s, when diplomats were sent involuntarily to Vietnam. The State Department stated that if enough diplomats do not volunteer to go to Iraq, assignments will be put in place for approximately fifty openings expected next summer. If diplomats refuse to be stationed in Iraq, they could risk losing their jobs.
The embassy in Iraq is the largest in US history. Although it is located in Baghdad's Green Zone, the embassy has been frequently under fire. Diplomats have also complained that they are unable to travel without heavy security. In addition, many diplomats feel that the training they receive – often just two weeks – prior to deployment to Iraq is inadequate; comparatively, diplomats going to Vietnam during the Vietnam War were given four to six months of special training. Together, these factors have made diplomacy in Iraq near impossible. One foreign service veteran said that service in Iraq is “a potential death sentence.”
According to a recent poll released by the Associated Press, only 12% of foreign service officers believe that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is fighting for them. In addition to the thousands of men and women serving in the military in Iraq, these government employees are needlessly put in harms way in Iraq. It is time for an end to Bush's failed Iraq strategy. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates will vote to put an end to the war in Iraq when elected to Congress.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Weekly Update (10/26/07)
Possible Early Resignation Leaves Opening for DAPAC Candidate
Last week, reports emerged that former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, the Congressman from Illinois' 14th district, will probably be resigning before the end of his term. In August, Hastert announced that he would not seek reelection in 2008, but recent reports from Republican aides suggest he will resign near the end of this year. This news is especially exciting to DAPAC because we have already endorsed a great progressive candidate, John Laesch, in this district.
Laesch's campaign has stated that they are ready to fight and win this seat now. They have a strong grassroots organization, and many volunteers on the ground in the district. Laesch has a strong voice as a military veteran who wants to end the Iraq war now, and he will champion progressive values when elected to Congress.
Earlier this week, Hastert was vague on the issue of his early resignation. In an interview, he said that reports have been exaggerated, and that he is unsure of how long he will stay in Congress for now. There is speculation that Hastert is postponing a formal announcement to prevent a special election for this seat from being held on February 5th of next year, which is the date of the presidential primary. This primary is expected to bring high Democratic turnout, so it is in the Republican interest to delay Hastert's resignation.
Either way, John Laesch will fight for this seat, and is excited at the prospect of bringing progressive change to Congress earlier than expected. You can help us prepare for this early fight now and donate online by clicking here.
Democratic Presidential Candidates Address the Issues Voters Value
In a CBS News poll out this week, the Democrats running for president were rated higher than the Republicans for addressing the most important issues. A majority of Democrats (53%) say that the candidates in their party are addressing the issues relevant to them, while only 13% of Republicans felt the same about their candidates. In fact, Republicans, as well as Independents, believe that the Democratic field address the relevant issues more than the Republicans. These results, in addition to polls released in previous weeks, reaffirm the strength of the Democratic candidates, and the likelihood of a Democratic president in 2008.
Last week, reports emerged that former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, the Congressman from Illinois' 14th district, will probably be resigning before the end of his term. In August, Hastert announced that he would not seek reelection in 2008, but recent reports from Republican aides suggest he will resign near the end of this year. This news is especially exciting to DAPAC because we have already endorsed a great progressive candidate, John Laesch, in this district.
Laesch's campaign has stated that they are ready to fight and win this seat now. They have a strong grassroots organization, and many volunteers on the ground in the district. Laesch has a strong voice as a military veteran who wants to end the Iraq war now, and he will champion progressive values when elected to Congress.
Earlier this week, Hastert was vague on the issue of his early resignation. In an interview, he said that reports have been exaggerated, and that he is unsure of how long he will stay in Congress for now. There is speculation that Hastert is postponing a formal announcement to prevent a special election for this seat from being held on February 5th of next year, which is the date of the presidential primary. This primary is expected to bring high Democratic turnout, so it is in the Republican interest to delay Hastert's resignation.
Either way, John Laesch will fight for this seat, and is excited at the prospect of bringing progressive change to Congress earlier than expected. You can help us prepare for this early fight now and donate online by clicking here.
Democratic Presidential Candidates Address the Issues Voters Value
In a CBS News poll out this week, the Democrats running for president were rated higher than the Republicans for addressing the most important issues. A majority of Democrats (53%) say that the candidates in their party are addressing the issues relevant to them, while only 13% of Republicans felt the same about their candidates. In fact, Republicans, as well as Independents, believe that the Democratic field address the relevant issues more than the Republicans. These results, in addition to polls released in previous weeks, reaffirm the strength of the Democratic candidates, and the likelihood of a Democratic president in 2008.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Bush Vetoes Bill to Provide Healthcare for Uninsured Children; House Democrats Cannot Convince Republicans to Override Bush
Today House Democrats attempted to secure enough votes to override President Bush's veto on the bill expanding SCHIP, the program that provides health insurance to children whose families cannot afford coverage. Although the Senate already has the two-thirds majority needed, the House fell 13 votes short of overriding Bush. All of DAPAC's endorsed Congress members voted to expand the program and override Bush's veto.
Democrats seek to expand the program over five years to insure 10 million children. This expansion would cost $35 billion, and Democrats have proposed increasing taxes on cigarettes to fund the expansion. Bush and other Republicans have called the program too costly, but they find it all too easy to come up with funds for the war in Iraq – at least $150 billion has been allocated for 2008 alone. This shows just how skewed the Republicans' priorities are.
It seems that Americans are with the Democrats on this issue. In a CNN poll, 61% thought that Congress should override Bush, and only 35% thought that the veto should stand. House Democrats will continue to fight for SCHIP expansion, and have indicated that they are not willing to negotiate the size of the expansion. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the legislation is “not going away, because the children are not going away.”
New Numbers from the Presidential Race Indicate Democratic Promise
Democrats in the presidential field continue to outperform their Republican counterparts in both fundraising and polling. In a CNN poll released this week, respondents were first asked: Will you definitely/probably vote for a Democrat or a Republican in 2008? Democrats faired well, with 52% saying they would choose a Democrat, and 39% voting for a Republican. Another question in the poll used specific candidates to gauge the public support. The question asked respondents which candidate they thought is most likely to win the presidency in 2008, and the results were:
Clinton – 45%
Giuliani – 16%
Obama – 8%
Thompson – 5%
Edwards – 4%
McCain -- 4%
Also this week, fundraising numbers were released indicating that the top four Democrats (Clinton, Obama, Edwards, and Richardson) have a combined total of $104 million cash on hand, while the Republicans (Giuliani, Thompson, Romney, and McCain) have a comparatively-meager $36 million.
Together, these results show the promise of a Democratic president in 2008. It remains crucial not to forget Democratic candidates for Congress amid all the excitement over the presidential race, especially at this point in the election cycle. DAPAC already has strong progressive candidates running who will face early challenges in their primaries. We need your support now to ensure that the greatest number of progressives will be elected in 2008. Remember, even with a Democratic president, truly progressive legislation will only become law if Congress is committed to progressive values.
Today House Democrats attempted to secure enough votes to override President Bush's veto on the bill expanding SCHIP, the program that provides health insurance to children whose families cannot afford coverage. Although the Senate already has the two-thirds majority needed, the House fell 13 votes short of overriding Bush. All of DAPAC's endorsed Congress members voted to expand the program and override Bush's veto.
Democrats seek to expand the program over five years to insure 10 million children. This expansion would cost $35 billion, and Democrats have proposed increasing taxes on cigarettes to fund the expansion. Bush and other Republicans have called the program too costly, but they find it all too easy to come up with funds for the war in Iraq – at least $150 billion has been allocated for 2008 alone. This shows just how skewed the Republicans' priorities are.
It seems that Americans are with the Democrats on this issue. In a CNN poll, 61% thought that Congress should override Bush, and only 35% thought that the veto should stand. House Democrats will continue to fight for SCHIP expansion, and have indicated that they are not willing to negotiate the size of the expansion. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the legislation is “not going away, because the children are not going away.”
New Numbers from the Presidential Race Indicate Democratic Promise
Democrats in the presidential field continue to outperform their Republican counterparts in both fundraising and polling. In a CNN poll released this week, respondents were first asked: Will you definitely/probably vote for a Democrat or a Republican in 2008? Democrats faired well, with 52% saying they would choose a Democrat, and 39% voting for a Republican. Another question in the poll used specific candidates to gauge the public support. The question asked respondents which candidate they thought is most likely to win the presidency in 2008, and the results were:
Clinton – 45%
Giuliani – 16%
Obama – 8%
Thompson – 5%
Edwards – 4%
McCain -- 4%
Also this week, fundraising numbers were released indicating that the top four Democrats (Clinton, Obama, Edwards, and Richardson) have a combined total of $104 million cash on hand, while the Republicans (Giuliani, Thompson, Romney, and McCain) have a comparatively-meager $36 million.
Together, these results show the promise of a Democratic president in 2008. It remains crucial not to forget Democratic candidates for Congress amid all the excitement over the presidential race, especially at this point in the election cycle. DAPAC already has strong progressive candidates running who will face early challenges in their primaries. We need your support now to ensure that the greatest number of progressives will be elected in 2008. Remember, even with a Democratic president, truly progressive legislation will only become law if Congress is committed to progressive values.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Weekly Update (10/12/07)
House Panel Defies Bush in Passing Surveillance Overhaul
This week a House panel approved a bill requiring more judicial and congressional oversight of foreign intelligence surveillance conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA). This new measure would replace the so-called Protect America Act, which was passed this summer. Civil liberties groups believe that this measure would be a step in the right direction, towards more protection for Americans and their privacy.
One important aspect of the bill is that it does not provide protection for communications firms that may have aided government surveillance efforts illegally. Telecommunication firms have been lobbying heavily for such a provision, and the White House is in favor of this protection. House Democrats are now standing up to Bush and corrupt business interests in pushing for this bill. It remains to be seen how the entire House and Senate will vote on this measure.
DAPAC-Endorsed Congressman Makes a Statement for Congressional Power
John Yarmuth, the freshman Congressman from Kentucky endorsed by DAPAC in 2006, has been troubled by the way the Constitution has been forgotten when it comes to legislating. So he decided to remind his fellow Congress members of their Constitutional powers by making and distributing pins with the words “Article 1,” referencing the Constitution: “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States.” Yarmuth wants to reiterate that the Founding Fathers intended Congress to run the country, not the President. About 50 members of the House took the pins, and many were fellow freshman.
Yarmuth explained that the pins “came out of thinking about why we were all elected last year. The war had a lot to do with it but another, I think equally important factor was the sense that the people’s voice was not being heard in deliberations of government, that the presidency had gotten much too powerful and arrogant.” He added: “The American people wanted to push back against the imperial presidency.”
DAPAC is proud of Yarmuth and other endorsed House members who are taking their Congressional responsibilities so seriously. Yarmuth stated, “ All legislative powers are vested in the Congress and, in fact, the Constitution grants very limited powers to the executive branch [...] Hopefully, if this catches on, the public will see that we understand our power and our responsibility.”
Bush's Approval Ratings Drop in October
In a poll released by Gallup this week, President Bush's approval ratings have dropped once again, coming in at 32%. One month ago his approval was up to 36%, but has now returned to a level which matches his average for the second half of this year.
This week a House panel approved a bill requiring more judicial and congressional oversight of foreign intelligence surveillance conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA). This new measure would replace the so-called Protect America Act, which was passed this summer. Civil liberties groups believe that this measure would be a step in the right direction, towards more protection for Americans and their privacy.
One important aspect of the bill is that it does not provide protection for communications firms that may have aided government surveillance efforts illegally. Telecommunication firms have been lobbying heavily for such a provision, and the White House is in favor of this protection. House Democrats are now standing up to Bush and corrupt business interests in pushing for this bill. It remains to be seen how the entire House and Senate will vote on this measure.
DAPAC-Endorsed Congressman Makes a Statement for Congressional Power
John Yarmuth, the freshman Congressman from Kentucky endorsed by DAPAC in 2006, has been troubled by the way the Constitution has been forgotten when it comes to legislating. So he decided to remind his fellow Congress members of their Constitutional powers by making and distributing pins with the words “Article 1,” referencing the Constitution: “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States.” Yarmuth wants to reiterate that the Founding Fathers intended Congress to run the country, not the President. About 50 members of the House took the pins, and many were fellow freshman.
Yarmuth explained that the pins “came out of thinking about why we were all elected last year. The war had a lot to do with it but another, I think equally important factor was the sense that the people’s voice was not being heard in deliberations of government, that the presidency had gotten much too powerful and arrogant.” He added: “The American people wanted to push back against the imperial presidency.”
DAPAC is proud of Yarmuth and other endorsed House members who are taking their Congressional responsibilities so seriously. Yarmuth stated, “ All legislative powers are vested in the Congress and, in fact, the Constitution grants very limited powers to the executive branch [...] Hopefully, if this catches on, the public will see that we understand our power and our responsibility.”
Bush's Approval Ratings Drop in October
In a poll released by Gallup this week, President Bush's approval ratings have dropped once again, coming in at 32%. One month ago his approval was up to 36%, but has now returned to a level which matches his average for the second half of this year.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Weekly Update (10/05/08)
Bush Callously Vetoes Healthcare Bill for Uninsured Children
President Bush has vetoed a bill which would have expanded the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and now Democrats in Congress are working to secure more votes and override this veto. Democrats supported this bill because it will bring healthcare to more uninsured children. DAPAC-endorsed Congressman Chris Van Hollen explained, “We will strengthen CHIP's financing, improve the quality of health care children receive, and increase health insurance coverage for low-income children.” Although opponents of the bill claim that it covers too many middle class families, in reality those families may be making $50,000 a year, and with a private insurance policy costing approximately $11,000 annually, healthcare is out of reach. Bush claims that the bill would lead to the “federalizing” of healthcare, and that the expansion would benefit too many middle income families.
Although many moderate Republicans are distancing themselves from Bush on this issue, the leading presidential contenders for the GOP – Giuiani, McCain, Thompson, and Romney – all support Bush's veto. Since 61% of GOP voters support the expansion of SCHIP, the Republican blockage of this bill shows just how out of touch Republican lawmakers are. This is just another reason why Democrats can expect more support in 2008.
For now, Democrats in the House need to find more votes for the bill, in order to override Bush. Democrats are adamant that they will fight Bush on this issue, and are not yet willing to compromise. Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not back down from the issue, and commented, “This legislation will haunt [Bush] again and again and again.”
House Passes Weak Iraq Bill
In another display of why more progressive Democrats are needed in Congress, the House passed a bill concerning Iraq that does little to ensure the war's end. After numerous stronger bills have been defeated by Bush and Republicans in Congress, the House passed this weak bill with a 377-46 vote.
The bill mandates that the Bush administration present a plan within two months for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. But the bill does not require that this plan actually be implemented, or that a specific timeline for withdrawal be laid out.
In order to get meaningful legislation on Iraq passed in the future, even when we have a Democratic president, we will need a real progressive Democratic majority in the House, not just the 75% of Democrats who are progressive, like we have now. It is DAPAC's job to get new Congress members in the House to achieve a real progressive majority, and all of DAPAC's endorsed candidates will vote to take immediate steps to end the war in Iraq when they are elected to Congress.
Poll: Democratic President Likely in 2008
An October 3rd ABC News/Washington Post poll presents a head-to-head presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani, with Democrats coming out on top. Clinton leads Giuliani, 51 percent to 43 percent. This poll also shows that Democratic support is growing, as just a few months ago Clinton's lead was much less significant at 49-47. Along with the poll last week showing greater approval for the Democratic party in general, compared to the GOP, this poll illustrates the advantage Democrats will have in 2008.
President Bush has vetoed a bill which would have expanded the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and now Democrats in Congress are working to secure more votes and override this veto. Democrats supported this bill because it will bring healthcare to more uninsured children. DAPAC-endorsed Congressman Chris Van Hollen explained, “We will strengthen CHIP's financing, improve the quality of health care children receive, and increase health insurance coverage for low-income children.” Although opponents of the bill claim that it covers too many middle class families, in reality those families may be making $50,000 a year, and with a private insurance policy costing approximately $11,000 annually, healthcare is out of reach. Bush claims that the bill would lead to the “federalizing” of healthcare, and that the expansion would benefit too many middle income families.
Although many moderate Republicans are distancing themselves from Bush on this issue, the leading presidential contenders for the GOP – Giuiani, McCain, Thompson, and Romney – all support Bush's veto. Since 61% of GOP voters support the expansion of SCHIP, the Republican blockage of this bill shows just how out of touch Republican lawmakers are. This is just another reason why Democrats can expect more support in 2008.
For now, Democrats in the House need to find more votes for the bill, in order to override Bush. Democrats are adamant that they will fight Bush on this issue, and are not yet willing to compromise. Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not back down from the issue, and commented, “This legislation will haunt [Bush] again and again and again.”
House Passes Weak Iraq Bill
In another display of why more progressive Democrats are needed in Congress, the House passed a bill concerning Iraq that does little to ensure the war's end. After numerous stronger bills have been defeated by Bush and Republicans in Congress, the House passed this weak bill with a 377-46 vote.
The bill mandates that the Bush administration present a plan within two months for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. But the bill does not require that this plan actually be implemented, or that a specific timeline for withdrawal be laid out.
In order to get meaningful legislation on Iraq passed in the future, even when we have a Democratic president, we will need a real progressive Democratic majority in the House, not just the 75% of Democrats who are progressive, like we have now. It is DAPAC's job to get new Congress members in the House to achieve a real progressive majority, and all of DAPAC's endorsed candidates will vote to take immediate steps to end the war in Iraq when they are elected to Congress.
Poll: Democratic President Likely in 2008
An October 3rd ABC News/Washington Post poll presents a head-to-head presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani, with Democrats coming out on top. Clinton leads Giuliani, 51 percent to 43 percent. This poll also shows that Democratic support is growing, as just a few months ago Clinton's lead was much less significant at 49-47. Along with the poll last week showing greater approval for the Democratic party in general, compared to the GOP, this poll illustrates the advantage Democrats will have in 2008.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Quentin Young Endorses DAPAC
Recently Dr. Quentin Young contacted DAPAC's office to inquire as to what questions are on our candidate questionnaire regarding universal health care. After finding out the answer he was thrilled enough to contribute to DAPAC and to endorse our cause.
Dr. Quentin Young is the national coordinator for Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), which has more than 10,000 physicians as members who support single payer national health insurance. Dr. Young has been a leader in public health policy and social justice issues for several decades. In 1980, he founded the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. In 1997, he was inducted as a Master of the American College of Physicians, and in 1998 he served as President of the American Public Health Association.
In addition to these positions he has held a career as a distinguished physician and is good friends with documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. Recently Dr. Young has been helping Moore promote his new film, “Sicko,” across the country. In this documentary Moore points out the many problems with America's health care industry and the problems inherent in the corporate takeover of medicine in this country.
When we informed Dr. Young that one of our questions to candidates before he or she receives our endorsement was, “Do you support publicly funded universal health care,” he said that was precisely the question we should be asking of our politicians.
With such an influential leader in the field of health care agreeing with DAPAC's strong stance, it is clear that an endorsement from DAPAC means that a candidate will be committed to fighting for sensible, affordable, and better health care for all Americans.
Dr. Quentin Young is the national coordinator for Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), which has more than 10,000 physicians as members who support single payer national health insurance. Dr. Young has been a leader in public health policy and social justice issues for several decades. In 1980, he founded the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. In 1997, he was inducted as a Master of the American College of Physicians, and in 1998 he served as President of the American Public Health Association.
In addition to these positions he has held a career as a distinguished physician and is good friends with documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. Recently Dr. Young has been helping Moore promote his new film, “Sicko,” across the country. In this documentary Moore points out the many problems with America's health care industry and the problems inherent in the corporate takeover of medicine in this country.
When we informed Dr. Young that one of our questions to candidates before he or she receives our endorsement was, “Do you support publicly funded universal health care,” he said that was precisely the question we should be asking of our politicians.
With such an influential leader in the field of health care agreeing with DAPAC's strong stance, it is clear that an endorsement from DAPAC means that a candidate will be committed to fighting for sensible, affordable, and better health care for all Americans.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Weekly Update (9/28/07)
Democrats in House Pass Children's Health Insurance Bill
This week, the House of Representative passed a bill to expand the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program, with a vote of 265 to 159. All eight of DAPAC's representatives in Congress voted in favor of the bill. Forty-five Republicans crossed party lines to vote with the Democrats on this important bill, but the majority still falls short of the 290 votes needed to override Bush's intended veto.
The program currently covers six million children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford private coverage. The program expires at the end of September, and the new bill expands the program to cover more children, and would be subsidized by a 61 cent levy on each pack of cigarettes sold. The bill for expansion has widespread support, including endorsements from United Way of America, the national YMCA, and even America's Health Insurance Plans, which is the largest insurance lobbying group in the nation.
Still, Bush remains dead set against this bill, and many Republican Congress members have followed him. Bush calls the bill “part of the Democrats' incremental plan toward government-run healthcare for all Americans.” Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised to fight Bush on this issue, and commented, “This legislation will haunt his again and again and again ... We will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to put bills on the president's desk and see how long he can hold a veto-proof majority.”
Congress Gets Set for Another War Spending Showdown
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appeared before Congress this week to ask for an additional $42 billion for the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, on top of the $147 billion already requested for the 2008 fiscal year. Gates also spoke about the need for a “long-term presence” of US troops in Iraq, but failed to give specifics on what this means exactly.
Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), chairman of the Appropriations Committee, vowed that Congress would not be a “rubber stamp” for Bush's policies and said, “The president and supporters claim that we're now finally on the cusp of progress and that we must continue to stay the course. I've heard that before ... We cannot create a democracy at the point of a gun.”
DAPAC only supports Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives who will take immediate steps to end the war in Iraq.
This Week's Poll
On September 25th, Gallup released a new poll showing that the Democratic party is maintaining a solid image advantage over the GOP. Of those polled, 53% have a favorable view of the Democratic party, while only 38% have a favorable view of the Republicans. These results are very similar to the ratings of both parties since April 2006.
A recent significant shift has been how respondents rate the parties when it comes to the issue of security. For the first time since 2002, more Americans now say that Democrats will do a better job than Republicans protecting the nation from security threats: 47% to 42%.
This week, the House of Representative passed a bill to expand the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program, with a vote of 265 to 159. All eight of DAPAC's representatives in Congress voted in favor of the bill. Forty-five Republicans crossed party lines to vote with the Democrats on this important bill, but the majority still falls short of the 290 votes needed to override Bush's intended veto.
The program currently covers six million children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford private coverage. The program expires at the end of September, and the new bill expands the program to cover more children, and would be subsidized by a 61 cent levy on each pack of cigarettes sold. The bill for expansion has widespread support, including endorsements from United Way of America, the national YMCA, and even America's Health Insurance Plans, which is the largest insurance lobbying group in the nation.
Still, Bush remains dead set against this bill, and many Republican Congress members have followed him. Bush calls the bill “part of the Democrats' incremental plan toward government-run healthcare for all Americans.” Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised to fight Bush on this issue, and commented, “This legislation will haunt his again and again and again ... We will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to put bills on the president's desk and see how long he can hold a veto-proof majority.”
Congress Gets Set for Another War Spending Showdown
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appeared before Congress this week to ask for an additional $42 billion for the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, on top of the $147 billion already requested for the 2008 fiscal year. Gates also spoke about the need for a “long-term presence” of US troops in Iraq, but failed to give specifics on what this means exactly.
Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), chairman of the Appropriations Committee, vowed that Congress would not be a “rubber stamp” for Bush's policies and said, “The president and supporters claim that we're now finally on the cusp of progress and that we must continue to stay the course. I've heard that before ... We cannot create a democracy at the point of a gun.”
DAPAC only supports Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives who will take immediate steps to end the war in Iraq.
This Week's Poll
On September 25th, Gallup released a new poll showing that the Democratic party is maintaining a solid image advantage over the GOP. Of those polled, 53% have a favorable view of the Democratic party, while only 38% have a favorable view of the Republicans. These results are very similar to the ratings of both parties since April 2006.
A recent significant shift has been how respondents rate the parties when it comes to the issue of security. For the first time since 2002, more Americans now say that Democrats will do a better job than Republicans protecting the nation from security threats: 47% to 42%.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Weekly Update (9/21/07)
Democrats Work to Avert Republican Credit Crisis
In the US, the housing market is in its largest slump in 16 years. This news is especially frustrating because the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market, which has created widespread economic problems, could have been avoided. As Rep. Barney Frank, the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee explained, the crisis could have been averted had the Republican-led Congress passed a bill last year that would have prevented predatory lending practices. DAPAC hopes that such a bill can be passed in the future, and we ensure that our candidates for Congress will support such legislation before we issue our endorsement.
The collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market created chaos in Great Britain this week, as a run on the Northern Rock Bank led to $2 billion in withdrawals. This forced the Bank of England to issue an emergency loan to the bank, which is the eighth-largest mortgage lender in Britain. This is the first time in 15 years that a bank has had to be bailed out by regulators in the UK.
In other economic news, Jim Nussle, the new Director of the Office of Management and Budget, was interviewed by Maria Bartiromo on CNBC on Tuesday. When asked how the US should correct fiscal problems, Nussle seemed intent on continuing President Bush's agenda, namely by cutting entitlement spending, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This continues to be the administration's remedy for fixing the economy, while the real issues are ignored.
Political Turmoil Escalates in Iraq
Earlier this week, followers of the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdrew from the leading political alliance in Iraq. These politicians are leaving their posts because they are unhappy with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's leadership, and they are not alone in those feelings – almost half the members of Maliki's Cabinet have left their positions. The followers of Sadr are especially at odds with Maliki over his refusal to set a timetable with the US for troop withdrawal.
These events illustrate once again the absence of progress in Iraq. The Iraqi government lacks cohesion and leadership, and because of this, the work of our troops in Iraq can do little to improve the situation. DAPAC supports immediate steps to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.
Poll of the Week
To explore what Americans want in their next president, Gallup asked those polled to rate 20 characteristics as either desirable or undesirable traits for the next president to have. The most desirable trait found was: will bring about change in Washington, followed by has been successful in business, has personally served in the military, has served in the US House or Senate, and has a lot of experience in Washington. The most undesirable traits were: has worked as a government lobbyist, is 70 years of age or older, has limited experience in Washington, has a strained relationship with his/her children, and has changed positions on issues over time. A majority of respondents did not care one way or another on characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity, religion, or whether the candidate has been divorced. You can see the full results of the poll here.
In the US, the housing market is in its largest slump in 16 years. This news is especially frustrating because the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market, which has created widespread economic problems, could have been avoided. As Rep. Barney Frank, the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee explained, the crisis could have been averted had the Republican-led Congress passed a bill last year that would have prevented predatory lending practices. DAPAC hopes that such a bill can be passed in the future, and we ensure that our candidates for Congress will support such legislation before we issue our endorsement.
The collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market created chaos in Great Britain this week, as a run on the Northern Rock Bank led to $2 billion in withdrawals. This forced the Bank of England to issue an emergency loan to the bank, which is the eighth-largest mortgage lender in Britain. This is the first time in 15 years that a bank has had to be bailed out by regulators in the UK.
In other economic news, Jim Nussle, the new Director of the Office of Management and Budget, was interviewed by Maria Bartiromo on CNBC on Tuesday. When asked how the US should correct fiscal problems, Nussle seemed intent on continuing President Bush's agenda, namely by cutting entitlement spending, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This continues to be the administration's remedy for fixing the economy, while the real issues are ignored.
Political Turmoil Escalates in Iraq
Earlier this week, followers of the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdrew from the leading political alliance in Iraq. These politicians are leaving their posts because they are unhappy with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's leadership, and they are not alone in those feelings – almost half the members of Maliki's Cabinet have left their positions. The followers of Sadr are especially at odds with Maliki over his refusal to set a timetable with the US for troop withdrawal.
These events illustrate once again the absence of progress in Iraq. The Iraqi government lacks cohesion and leadership, and because of this, the work of our troops in Iraq can do little to improve the situation. DAPAC supports immediate steps to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.
Poll of the Week
To explore what Americans want in their next president, Gallup asked those polled to rate 20 characteristics as either desirable or undesirable traits for the next president to have. The most desirable trait found was: will bring about change in Washington, followed by has been successful in business, has personally served in the military, has served in the US House or Senate, and has a lot of experience in Washington. The most undesirable traits were: has worked as a government lobbyist, is 70 years of age or older, has limited experience in Washington, has a strained relationship with his/her children, and has changed positions on issues over time. A majority of respondents did not care one way or another on characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity, religion, or whether the candidate has been divorced. You can see the full results of the poll here.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Weekly Update (9/14/07)
Bush Plans More of the Same for Iraq
When General David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker appeared before Congress this week to give their much-anticipated report on Iraq, much of what they had to say was vague and disappointing. They were unable to argue that the troop surge had made significant improvements in Iraq, would not estimate how many years US troops would be present in Iraq, or when training of Iraqi troops would be complete. When asked if the efforts in Iraq had made Americans safer at home – which has been a long-standing argument of the Bush administration – Petraeus had to answer with, “I don't know, actually.”
President Bush will address the nation Thursday evening as a follow-up to these reports, and is expected to announce few changes to his war plan. Most likely, Bush will plan to draw down troops to pre-surge levels by next July, leaving 130,000 US troops in Iraq. In effect, this means that the level of troops will be the same one year from now as they were one year ago. Actually, troops could be at even higher levels – in an interview with NPR, Petraeus indicated that the numbers of troops sent home could be less than 30,000, depending on brigade size, and that they still needed to “do the math” to come up with exact figures. This vagueness, coupled with confusion over whether some troops, who are supposed to be part of the surge, are still on their way to Iraq, show just how deceptive Bush's plans are. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi responded that Bush's approach is “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”
The American public has been told too many times that we must hold out a bit longer to see progress in Iraq. We have been waiting, but little has changed. Clearly, Congress cannot accept Bush's arguments and plans – we need real change in Iraq, with the priority on bringing our troops home. All of the candidates that DAPAC endorses for Congress agree to support these goals and will work to end the war now.
This Week's Poll
Americans remain unhappy about the situation in Iraq, and believe that the surge has not worked, according to a new poll released by the New York Times/CBS News this week. Of those polled, 62% believe that it was a mistake getting involved in Iraq, while only 34% said it was not a mistake. When asked about the surge, only 35% believed that the additional 30,000 troops had made the situation in Iraq better, while 12% believed the situation was actually now worse, and 45% did not think the surge had made any difference. Many respondents were also disappointed with the Iraqi government – 70% said that it is not doing all that it can realistically be expected to do to bring about stability in Iraq.
When General David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker appeared before Congress this week to give their much-anticipated report on Iraq, much of what they had to say was vague and disappointing. They were unable to argue that the troop surge had made significant improvements in Iraq, would not estimate how many years US troops would be present in Iraq, or when training of Iraqi troops would be complete. When asked if the efforts in Iraq had made Americans safer at home – which has been a long-standing argument of the Bush administration – Petraeus had to answer with, “I don't know, actually.”
President Bush will address the nation Thursday evening as a follow-up to these reports, and is expected to announce few changes to his war plan. Most likely, Bush will plan to draw down troops to pre-surge levels by next July, leaving 130,000 US troops in Iraq. In effect, this means that the level of troops will be the same one year from now as they were one year ago. Actually, troops could be at even higher levels – in an interview with NPR, Petraeus indicated that the numbers of troops sent home could be less than 30,000, depending on brigade size, and that they still needed to “do the math” to come up with exact figures. This vagueness, coupled with confusion over whether some troops, who are supposed to be part of the surge, are still on their way to Iraq, show just how deceptive Bush's plans are. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi responded that Bush's approach is “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”
The American public has been told too many times that we must hold out a bit longer to see progress in Iraq. We have been waiting, but little has changed. Clearly, Congress cannot accept Bush's arguments and plans – we need real change in Iraq, with the priority on bringing our troops home. All of the candidates that DAPAC endorses for Congress agree to support these goals and will work to end the war now.
This Week's Poll
Americans remain unhappy about the situation in Iraq, and believe that the surge has not worked, according to a new poll released by the New York Times/CBS News this week. Of those polled, 62% believe that it was a mistake getting involved in Iraq, while only 34% said it was not a mistake. When asked about the surge, only 35% believed that the additional 30,000 troops had made the situation in Iraq better, while 12% believed the situation was actually now worse, and 45% did not think the surge had made any difference. Many respondents were also disappointed with the Iraqi government – 70% said that it is not doing all that it can realistically be expected to do to bring about stability in Iraq.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Weekly Update (9/7/07)
Commission Report from Iraq Shows Limited Gains
This week, an independent commission created by Congress reported on the state of the Iraqi army and police force, predicting that it will take at least 12 to 18 months before the Iraqi units can take charge of their country's security. The commission found that the Iraqi army is improving but still suffering from “limited operational effectiveness,” while the Iraqi police force has been even less successful.
In response to the report, a Pentagon spokesman said that the administration remains committed “to stay as long as it takes to get the Iraqi army back on its feet.” Meanwhile, Democrats continue to stand up for our troops in harm's way. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) said, “Our military has done everything we have asked them to do, but we cannot expect them to stay in Iraq indefinitely to train security forces that are loyal to sectarian militias rather than the Iraqi government.”
These findings were released just before the report from General David Petraeus and Ryan Crocker, the ambassador to Iraq, is scheduled to be released next week. Congress hoped that by creating this commission an independent and objective report on Iraq could be obtained.
Programs to Rebuild Iraq from the Provincial Level Failing
In other news from Iraq, Congress heard this week that the program to rebuild Iraq from the provincial level is suffering. The program has had three directors in the past four months, and many other program employees have been leaving Iraq as well. The failures have been blamed on the system in which the program operates, and not the people who work on the provincial restructuring teams. These teams are civilian-dominated, but must coordinate with the military to provide security – this coordination has been widely nonexistent. This has left the teams unable to travel to many of the areas they are assigned, making the teams largely ineffective. Others involved in the program argued that the attempts to work from the provincial level came too late to have any real value.
This Week's Poll
As Congress returns from its summer recess, members should take a look at the latest Gallup poll exploring the publics' thoughts on their work. With Congressional approval at very low levels – 18% last month – the poll asked those who disapprove the open ended question: What are some of the reasons why you disapprove of the job Congress is doing? In all, 67% of those who disapprove cited some form of Congressional inaction (not doing/passing anything, not making progress in ending the war in Iraq, not paying enough attention to the needs of the people, and not standing up to the president enough were common responses). Also, 9% wrote that Democrats were not doing what they were elected to do. Hopefully Democrats can take these results as a lesson that Americans want action and results during their coming session.
This week, an independent commission created by Congress reported on the state of the Iraqi army and police force, predicting that it will take at least 12 to 18 months before the Iraqi units can take charge of their country's security. The commission found that the Iraqi army is improving but still suffering from “limited operational effectiveness,” while the Iraqi police force has been even less successful.
In response to the report, a Pentagon spokesman said that the administration remains committed “to stay as long as it takes to get the Iraqi army back on its feet.” Meanwhile, Democrats continue to stand up for our troops in harm's way. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) said, “Our military has done everything we have asked them to do, but we cannot expect them to stay in Iraq indefinitely to train security forces that are loyal to sectarian militias rather than the Iraqi government.”
These findings were released just before the report from General David Petraeus and Ryan Crocker, the ambassador to Iraq, is scheduled to be released next week. Congress hoped that by creating this commission an independent and objective report on Iraq could be obtained.
Programs to Rebuild Iraq from the Provincial Level Failing
In other news from Iraq, Congress heard this week that the program to rebuild Iraq from the provincial level is suffering. The program has had three directors in the past four months, and many other program employees have been leaving Iraq as well. The failures have been blamed on the system in which the program operates, and not the people who work on the provincial restructuring teams. These teams are civilian-dominated, but must coordinate with the military to provide security – this coordination has been widely nonexistent. This has left the teams unable to travel to many of the areas they are assigned, making the teams largely ineffective. Others involved in the program argued that the attempts to work from the provincial level came too late to have any real value.
This Week's Poll
As Congress returns from its summer recess, members should take a look at the latest Gallup poll exploring the publics' thoughts on their work. With Congressional approval at very low levels – 18% last month – the poll asked those who disapprove the open ended question: What are some of the reasons why you disapprove of the job Congress is doing? In all, 67% of those who disapprove cited some form of Congressional inaction (not doing/passing anything, not making progress in ending the war in Iraq, not paying enough attention to the needs of the people, and not standing up to the president enough were common responses). Also, 9% wrote that Democrats were not doing what they were elected to do. Hopefully Democrats can take these results as a lesson that Americans want action and results during their coming session.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Weekly Update (8/31/07)
DAPAC Endorses Two Progressives in Open and Winnable Districts
This week, DAPAC made its first endorsements for the 2008 Congressional election. We are happy to announce our endorsement of Mary Jo Kilroy in Ohio's 15th district, and John Laesch in Illinois' 14th.
DAPAC endorsed Kilroy in 2004 when she narrowly lost the election by just 1,055 votes. The district is trending Democratic and the incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced she will not be seeking another term. This leaves the seat wide open for Mary Jo Kilroy to win.
John Laesch was also a 2004 DAPAC candidate, but lost the election to veteran Republican Dennis Hastert, who is not seeking reelection in 2008. Laesch is already running an aggressive campaign for this open seat, and hopes to use his experience as a military veteran and intelligence analyst in Congress.
Both candidates have pledged to support progressive causes once elected, such as pro-choice legislation, ending the Iraq War, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, gay and lesbian rights, environmental protection, working families rights, and many others.
Financial Crisis Illustrates Republican Failings
News of financial difficulties continue to grow, and this week Freddie Mac, the second largest buyer of home mortgages in the country, reported a 45% decrease in profits for the second quarter of this year. This is especially telling because Freddie Mac buys what are considered high quality mortgages, illustrating that defaults are spreading beyond the subprime market. The subprime market continues to be a major focus of the financial discussion though, especially as mortgage companies like Countrywide have been exposed for granting mortgages that were largely designed to fail.
Overall, the credit crisis shows that the deregulation of business that Republicans have been pushing for years has failed to protect Americans. Representative Barney Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Service Committee, stated, “The financial markets have outgrown the current regulatory systems, and we need to do something about it.” The best way to do this is to gain back Democratic control of the White House, and increase Democratic power in Congress. DAPAC's candidates will fight to guard against big business abuse and protect all Americans. In fact, we screen candidates for endorsement on this basis – we ensure that our candidates will support loan restructuring programs to help avoid foreclosures, and will support legislation to end predatory lending practices.
This Week's Polls
The most recent presidential polling data from Gallup shows that Americans continue to prefer Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side, and Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nominee. First, Gallup asked Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents about their presidential preference. Here are the results:
Clinton: 48%
Obama: 25%
Edwards: 13%
Kucinich: 2%
Richardson: 2%
Dodd: 1%
Biden: 1%
None/no opinion: 6%
Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, the results were as follows:
Giuliani: 32%
Thompson: 19%
Romney: 14%
McCain: 11%
Huckabee: 4%
Paul: 3%
Hunter: 2%
Hagel: 1%
Brownback: 1%
Tancredo: 1%
Other: 1%
None/no opinion: 11%
This week, DAPAC made its first endorsements for the 2008 Congressional election. We are happy to announce our endorsement of Mary Jo Kilroy in Ohio's 15th district, and John Laesch in Illinois' 14th.
DAPAC endorsed Kilroy in 2004 when she narrowly lost the election by just 1,055 votes. The district is trending Democratic and the incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced she will not be seeking another term. This leaves the seat wide open for Mary Jo Kilroy to win.
John Laesch was also a 2004 DAPAC candidate, but lost the election to veteran Republican Dennis Hastert, who is not seeking reelection in 2008. Laesch is already running an aggressive campaign for this open seat, and hopes to use his experience as a military veteran and intelligence analyst in Congress.
Both candidates have pledged to support progressive causes once elected, such as pro-choice legislation, ending the Iraq War, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, gay and lesbian rights, environmental protection, working families rights, and many others.
Financial Crisis Illustrates Republican Failings
News of financial difficulties continue to grow, and this week Freddie Mac, the second largest buyer of home mortgages in the country, reported a 45% decrease in profits for the second quarter of this year. This is especially telling because Freddie Mac buys what are considered high quality mortgages, illustrating that defaults are spreading beyond the subprime market. The subprime market continues to be a major focus of the financial discussion though, especially as mortgage companies like Countrywide have been exposed for granting mortgages that were largely designed to fail.
Overall, the credit crisis shows that the deregulation of business that Republicans have been pushing for years has failed to protect Americans. Representative Barney Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Service Committee, stated, “The financial markets have outgrown the current regulatory systems, and we need to do something about it.” The best way to do this is to gain back Democratic control of the White House, and increase Democratic power in Congress. DAPAC's candidates will fight to guard against big business abuse and protect all Americans. In fact, we screen candidates for endorsement on this basis – we ensure that our candidates will support loan restructuring programs to help avoid foreclosures, and will support legislation to end predatory lending practices.
This Week's Polls
The most recent presidential polling data from Gallup shows that Americans continue to prefer Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side, and Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nominee. First, Gallup asked Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents about their presidential preference. Here are the results:
Clinton: 48%
Obama: 25%
Edwards: 13%
Kucinich: 2%
Richardson: 2%
Dodd: 1%
Biden: 1%
None/no opinion: 6%
Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, the results were as follows:
Giuliani: 32%
Thompson: 19%
Romney: 14%
McCain: 11%
Huckabee: 4%
Paul: 3%
Hunter: 2%
Hagel: 1%
Brownback: 1%
Tancredo: 1%
Other: 1%
None/no opinion: 11%
Scandals and Rats
In the last three years political appointees have fled the White House at an increasingly quickening pace. After the August one-two punch of Rove and Gonzales it seems appropriate to take a stroll down memory lane. These departures fall into two categories. The former being those who left under political pressure and disgrace, and the latter being those who, to use an overused simile, fled like rats from a sinking ship.
2004, Colin Powell: The former Secretary of State was disgraced in the international community by using false intelligence that connected Iraq to nuclear weapons and to Al Qaeda. His testimony was one of the main reasons Congress and the American public allowed the Iraq War to begin. Since then he has become increasingly critical of the Bush administration, especially concerning conduct of troops and the horrific treatment of detainees in Iraq and Guantanamo.
2004, John Ashcroft: Bush's first Attorney General, Ashcroft was a religious zealot and dangerously anti-abortion. His appointment was a reward to the religious right for their support in his 2000 victory. In addition, Ashcroft was a key supporter of the controversial Patriot Act, and the horrific treatment of detainees in American prisons such as Abu Ghraib. A highly controversial figure, Ashcroft would have likely faced Congressional hearings if he had remained in office.
2005, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby: The Chief of Staff to Vice-President Dick Cheney, and former Bush aide, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice. Libby lied about his involvement in the 2003 leak of information about CIA agent Valerie Plame to a New York Times journalist. Plame's husband, Joe Wilson, was a critic of the Iraq war and the move was seen as retaliation for his critique. Bush later pardoned Libby, angering the majority of Americans.
2006, Andrew Card: Card had served Bush for over a decade when he resigned. He was the aide seen informing a bewildered and puzzled President about the 9/11 attacks during a visit to an elementary school. Card resigned his position as White House Chief of Staff after becoming disillusioned with the Iraq war, fearing it would become another Vietnam, which, coincidentally enough, Bush just compared it to.
2006, Donald Rumsfeld: The former Secretary of Defense, Rumsfeld was the mastermind behind the "shock and awe" strategy in the Iraq War. He was also Bush's most prominent ally in his war on terror. Following the Democratic victory in both houses of Congress and the failing Iraq War Rumsfeld felt it was a good time for him to resign.
2006, John Bolton: Bush used political trickery to appoint Bolton as the US envoy to the UN by doing so during a Congressional recess. He did this because Bolton was such a controversial figure that Democrats swore they would not allow his confirmation. Prior to his nomination, Bolton said there was "no such thing" as the UN and called the US the world's "only real power." Accused on numerous occasions of bullying his subordinates and abusing power, he stepped down once Democrats regained control of Congress, dashing any hopes of making his temporary appointment permanent.
2007, Harriet Miers: Bush's failed appointment to the US Supreme Court, Miers was viewed as widely unqualified for the position. She has served as Bush's senior legal counsel and was likely involved in the firing of nine US attorneys that Congress is currently investigating. She has failed to show up in Congress to answer questions regarding these firings, even under subpoena orders, and has resigned in disgrace.
2007, Paul Wolfowitz: A key architect of neoconservatism, Wolfowitz was one of the key supporters of the invasion of Iraq. He was appointed as President of the World Bank in 2005. In June he was forced to step down over awarding a huge pay-raise and promotion to his girlfriend, who just happened to be a former World Bank employee.
2007, Dan Bartlett: Bartlett first worked for Bush on his 1994 gubernatorial campaign. Rising through the ranks to become President Bush's communications director, Bartlett, resigned to spend more time with his family, or, in other words, to distance himself from a failing presidency. Bartlett is only 36 and has a long career ahead of him that he does not want to jeopardize by tarnishing his image by staying loyal to Bush until the end.
2007, Karl Rove: “Bush's brain,” or “Turd blossom,” Rove has been one of the most controversial people in Bush's long list of controversial appointments. As Deputy Chief of Staff he has been involved in many political scandals including, but not limited to, the outing of Valerie Plame, firing of the US attorneys, and using federal money, time, and resources to campaign. The totality of the scandals he is involved with in conjunction with his massive failure in the 2006 Congressional campaign left him with little choice but to retire, disgraced.
2007, Alberto Gonzales: Gonzales has been the Attorney General since 2005 and is the most recent appointee to leave in disgrace. A controversial figure for many reasons, including his authorization to use torture to interrogate prisoners, Gonzales has most recently become involved in a Congressional showdown over the firing of nine US attorneys. Calls for his resignation have been echoing through Congress for months and he has finally given in.
To sum up: in the last three years 11 major Bush appointees have resigned. Those that left in disgrace were Powell, Ashcroft, Libby, Rumsfeld, Bolton, Miers, Wolfowitz, Rove, and Gonzales. All nine of these people were involved in controversial decisions, or directly involved in a major scandal. The rats fleeing the sinking ship were Card, Bartlett, and it is too good an opportunity to pass on comparing Karl Rove to a rat as well, so let's include him.
2004, Colin Powell: The former Secretary of State was disgraced in the international community by using false intelligence that connected Iraq to nuclear weapons and to Al Qaeda. His testimony was one of the main reasons Congress and the American public allowed the Iraq War to begin. Since then he has become increasingly critical of the Bush administration, especially concerning conduct of troops and the horrific treatment of detainees in Iraq and Guantanamo.
2004, John Ashcroft: Bush's first Attorney General, Ashcroft was a religious zealot and dangerously anti-abortion. His appointment was a reward to the religious right for their support in his 2000 victory. In addition, Ashcroft was a key supporter of the controversial Patriot Act, and the horrific treatment of detainees in American prisons such as Abu Ghraib. A highly controversial figure, Ashcroft would have likely faced Congressional hearings if he had remained in office.
2005, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby: The Chief of Staff to Vice-President Dick Cheney, and former Bush aide, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice. Libby lied about his involvement in the 2003 leak of information about CIA agent Valerie Plame to a New York Times journalist. Plame's husband, Joe Wilson, was a critic of the Iraq war and the move was seen as retaliation for his critique. Bush later pardoned Libby, angering the majority of Americans.
2006, Andrew Card: Card had served Bush for over a decade when he resigned. He was the aide seen informing a bewildered and puzzled President about the 9/11 attacks during a visit to an elementary school. Card resigned his position as White House Chief of Staff after becoming disillusioned with the Iraq war, fearing it would become another Vietnam, which, coincidentally enough, Bush just compared it to.
2006, Donald Rumsfeld: The former Secretary of Defense, Rumsfeld was the mastermind behind the "shock and awe" strategy in the Iraq War. He was also Bush's most prominent ally in his war on terror. Following the Democratic victory in both houses of Congress and the failing Iraq War Rumsfeld felt it was a good time for him to resign.
2006, John Bolton: Bush used political trickery to appoint Bolton as the US envoy to the UN by doing so during a Congressional recess. He did this because Bolton was such a controversial figure that Democrats swore they would not allow his confirmation. Prior to his nomination, Bolton said there was "no such thing" as the UN and called the US the world's "only real power." Accused on numerous occasions of bullying his subordinates and abusing power, he stepped down once Democrats regained control of Congress, dashing any hopes of making his temporary appointment permanent.
2007, Harriet Miers: Bush's failed appointment to the US Supreme Court, Miers was viewed as widely unqualified for the position. She has served as Bush's senior legal counsel and was likely involved in the firing of nine US attorneys that Congress is currently investigating. She has failed to show up in Congress to answer questions regarding these firings, even under subpoena orders, and has resigned in disgrace.
2007, Paul Wolfowitz: A key architect of neoconservatism, Wolfowitz was one of the key supporters of the invasion of Iraq. He was appointed as President of the World Bank in 2005. In June he was forced to step down over awarding a huge pay-raise and promotion to his girlfriend, who just happened to be a former World Bank employee.
2007, Dan Bartlett: Bartlett first worked for Bush on his 1994 gubernatorial campaign. Rising through the ranks to become President Bush's communications director, Bartlett, resigned to spend more time with his family, or, in other words, to distance himself from a failing presidency. Bartlett is only 36 and has a long career ahead of him that he does not want to jeopardize by tarnishing his image by staying loyal to Bush until the end.
2007, Karl Rove: “Bush's brain,” or “Turd blossom,” Rove has been one of the most controversial people in Bush's long list of controversial appointments. As Deputy Chief of Staff he has been involved in many political scandals including, but not limited to, the outing of Valerie Plame, firing of the US attorneys, and using federal money, time, and resources to campaign. The totality of the scandals he is involved with in conjunction with his massive failure in the 2006 Congressional campaign left him with little choice but to retire, disgraced.
2007, Alberto Gonzales: Gonzales has been the Attorney General since 2005 and is the most recent appointee to leave in disgrace. A controversial figure for many reasons, including his authorization to use torture to interrogate prisoners, Gonzales has most recently become involved in a Congressional showdown over the firing of nine US attorneys. Calls for his resignation have been echoing through Congress for months and he has finally given in.
To sum up: in the last three years 11 major Bush appointees have resigned. Those that left in disgrace were Powell, Ashcroft, Libby, Rumsfeld, Bolton, Miers, Wolfowitz, Rove, and Gonzales. All nine of these people were involved in controversial decisions, or directly involved in a major scandal. The rats fleeing the sinking ship were Card, Bartlett, and it is too good an opportunity to pass on comparing Karl Rove to a rat as well, so let's include him.
Weekly Update (8/24/07)
Bush Uses Faulty Logic Again to Defend Iraq Plans
This week in a speech at the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) convention, President Bush compared the Vietnam War to the war in Iraq in explaining why US troops should not be withdrawn from Iraq. His comments, which come after he has rejected such comparisons for years, drew criticism from many Democrats. Senator John Kerry stated, “Invoking the tragedy of Vietnam to defend the failed policy in Iraq is as irresponsible as it is ignorant of the realities of both of those wars.”
Bush argued that when US troops left Vietnam millions of innocent citizens in the region were killed, and he linked the withdrawal of troops to the massive number of Vietnamese refugees and to genocide in Cambodia. The situation in Iraq and the greater Middle East could be similar, Bush argued, or even worse because the enemy would follow us home.
In truth, Bush should have been more responsive to Vietnam parallels much earlier. As David Gergen, advisor to four previous presidents stated, “By invoking Vietnam he raised the question, 'If you learned so much from history, how did you ever get us involved in another quagmire?'” Most see Vietnam and Iraq as similar because both were wars that the US should not have gotten into, and that proved to be major strategic mistakes. Using Vietnam, a war where over 58,000 Americans were killed, not to mention the aftereffects of the war on countless others, to advocate for more military action is unfathomable. Actually, the number of Americans killed would be a better indicator that the time to end the Iraq war is now.
In the same speech, Bush also continued to argue that the surge in Iraq is working, and claimed that he, “made a decision to send more troops into Iraq to provide enough security for reconciliation to have a time to take place.”
Bush Seeks to Limit Child Healthcare Coverage
The Bush administration is continuing to fight the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and this week it set new standards which will make it much more difficult for states to extend coverage. Bush sees the program as a threat to the private insurance industry, and his priorities could jeopardize coverage for thousands. Bush has proposed that before states can expand benefits to children above 250% of the poverty level, they must have a 95% participation rate for children in the state below 200% of the poverty level. Health officials are outraged, saying that no states have this type of enrollment rate, and that such restrictions would make healthcare expansion basically impossible.
This Week's Polls
As Karl Rove leaves the White House, Gallup looked this week at how successful he had been at achieving what he had set out to do years ago: creating a long-lasting GOP majority. The findings show that today the Republican party is at a low point across America.
First, the number of Americans who identify themselves as Republicans is at the lowest point that it has been during Bush's presidency. Currently, 29% identify as Republicans, 33% as Democrats, and 37% as independents. The favorability rating of the GOP is also at one of its lowest points. Of those polled, 36% had a favorable opinion of the Republican party, while 56% had an unfavorable opinion; for the Democratic party, 51% were favorable and 41% were unfavorable. Additionally, Bush's approval ratings are continually low, and all of these factors seem to point to Rove's failure to meet his goal.
This week in a speech at the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) convention, President Bush compared the Vietnam War to the war in Iraq in explaining why US troops should not be withdrawn from Iraq. His comments, which come after he has rejected such comparisons for years, drew criticism from many Democrats. Senator John Kerry stated, “Invoking the tragedy of Vietnam to defend the failed policy in Iraq is as irresponsible as it is ignorant of the realities of both of those wars.”
Bush argued that when US troops left Vietnam millions of innocent citizens in the region were killed, and he linked the withdrawal of troops to the massive number of Vietnamese refugees and to genocide in Cambodia. The situation in Iraq and the greater Middle East could be similar, Bush argued, or even worse because the enemy would follow us home.
In truth, Bush should have been more responsive to Vietnam parallels much earlier. As David Gergen, advisor to four previous presidents stated, “By invoking Vietnam he raised the question, 'If you learned so much from history, how did you ever get us involved in another quagmire?'” Most see Vietnam and Iraq as similar because both were wars that the US should not have gotten into, and that proved to be major strategic mistakes. Using Vietnam, a war where over 58,000 Americans were killed, not to mention the aftereffects of the war on countless others, to advocate for more military action is unfathomable. Actually, the number of Americans killed would be a better indicator that the time to end the Iraq war is now.
In the same speech, Bush also continued to argue that the surge in Iraq is working, and claimed that he, “made a decision to send more troops into Iraq to provide enough security for reconciliation to have a time to take place.”
Bush Seeks to Limit Child Healthcare Coverage
The Bush administration is continuing to fight the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and this week it set new standards which will make it much more difficult for states to extend coverage. Bush sees the program as a threat to the private insurance industry, and his priorities could jeopardize coverage for thousands. Bush has proposed that before states can expand benefits to children above 250% of the poverty level, they must have a 95% participation rate for children in the state below 200% of the poverty level. Health officials are outraged, saying that no states have this type of enrollment rate, and that such restrictions would make healthcare expansion basically impossible.
This Week's Polls
As Karl Rove leaves the White House, Gallup looked this week at how successful he had been at achieving what he had set out to do years ago: creating a long-lasting GOP majority. The findings show that today the Republican party is at a low point across America.
First, the number of Americans who identify themselves as Republicans is at the lowest point that it has been during Bush's presidency. Currently, 29% identify as Republicans, 33% as Democrats, and 37% as independents. The favorability rating of the GOP is also at one of its lowest points. Of those polled, 36% had a favorable opinion of the Republican party, while 56% had an unfavorable opinion; for the Democratic party, 51% were favorable and 41% were unfavorable. Additionally, Bush's approval ratings are continually low, and all of these factors seem to point to Rove's failure to meet his goal.
Weekly Update (8/17/07)
GOP Retirements Leave Openings for Progressive Democrats
This week, exciting announcements revealed that Republicans will not run for reelection in two districts that DAPAC has targeted for 2008. First, Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the House, announced that he will retire from his seat in Illinois' 14th district. There are already strong Democratic candidates running in the district, and this announcement should only make their chances for election stronger.
It has also been reported that Deborah Pryce, the Republican from Ohio's 15th district and the former Chairwoman of the Republican Conference, will retire in 2008. Pryce won by a very slim margin in 2006, barely defeating DAPAC-endorsed Mary Jo Kilroy. Kilroy is already working on her 2008 campaign, and is a strong progressive candidate. Running for an open seat, Democrats in both districts now have a very good chance at being elected.
Karl Rove to Leave the White House
Another prominent Republican announced his more immediate resignation this week. Karl Rove, Bush's closest advisor, will leave his post as Deputy White House Chief of Staff at the end of August. Rove has been widely cited as the political mastermind behind Bush's victories, as well as successful 2004 congressional Republican campaigns, but his 2006 attempts were seen as failures when the Democrats took back both houses. In the past months, Rove has been under scrutiny related to the CIA leak involving Valerie Plame and the firing of US attorneys. The official announcement of his resignation explained that Rove would spend more time with his family, but what is truly next for him remains to be seen.
Increased Army Suicides – Yet Another Reason to End the War
On Thursday, the US Army reported that 99 soldiers committed suicide in 2006, which is the highest number of suicides since the Gulf War in 1991. Almost one-third of last year's suicides occurred in military zones, and overall the number of suicides increased 15% from 2005. Additionally, there have been 44 suicides already this year.
The Army cites failed relationships, legal and financial problems, and “occupational/operational” issues for the increased number of suicide, but many are pointing to additional studies that show increased mental health problems within the military with the ongoing war in Iraq. The military has also been accused of not providing adequate mental healthcare resources to the men and women serving our country. With the stress that soldiers are under after multiple and extended deployments, it is no wonder that increased numbers are reaching desperation. It is clearly time to bring our troops home and away from immediate danger, and also time to make their healthcare a top priority.
This Week's Polls
This week, Gallup released a report detailing Americans' top financial concerns. When asked, “What is the most important financial problem facing your family today?” the top answer was healthcare costs. The cost of healthcare was the top concern for all groups when the results were divided into three income brackets, while other concerns varied with income levels. Overall, the most common responses were:
Healthcare costs: 19%
Lack of money/low wages : 15%
Cost of owning/renting home : 8%
Energy Costs/oil and gas prices :8%
Too much debt/not enough: 7%
money to pay debts
This week, exciting announcements revealed that Republicans will not run for reelection in two districts that DAPAC has targeted for 2008. First, Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the House, announced that he will retire from his seat in Illinois' 14th district. There are already strong Democratic candidates running in the district, and this announcement should only make their chances for election stronger.
It has also been reported that Deborah Pryce, the Republican from Ohio's 15th district and the former Chairwoman of the Republican Conference, will retire in 2008. Pryce won by a very slim margin in 2006, barely defeating DAPAC-endorsed Mary Jo Kilroy. Kilroy is already working on her 2008 campaign, and is a strong progressive candidate. Running for an open seat, Democrats in both districts now have a very good chance at being elected.
Karl Rove to Leave the White House
Another prominent Republican announced his more immediate resignation this week. Karl Rove, Bush's closest advisor, will leave his post as Deputy White House Chief of Staff at the end of August. Rove has been widely cited as the political mastermind behind Bush's victories, as well as successful 2004 congressional Republican campaigns, but his 2006 attempts were seen as failures when the Democrats took back both houses. In the past months, Rove has been under scrutiny related to the CIA leak involving Valerie Plame and the firing of US attorneys. The official announcement of his resignation explained that Rove would spend more time with his family, but what is truly next for him remains to be seen.
Increased Army Suicides – Yet Another Reason to End the War
On Thursday, the US Army reported that 99 soldiers committed suicide in 2006, which is the highest number of suicides since the Gulf War in 1991. Almost one-third of last year's suicides occurred in military zones, and overall the number of suicides increased 15% from 2005. Additionally, there have been 44 suicides already this year.
The Army cites failed relationships, legal and financial problems, and “occupational/operational” issues for the increased number of suicide, but many are pointing to additional studies that show increased mental health problems within the military with the ongoing war in Iraq. The military has also been accused of not providing adequate mental healthcare resources to the men and women serving our country. With the stress that soldiers are under after multiple and extended deployments, it is no wonder that increased numbers are reaching desperation. It is clearly time to bring our troops home and away from immediate danger, and also time to make their healthcare a top priority.
This Week's Polls
This week, Gallup released a report detailing Americans' top financial concerns. When asked, “What is the most important financial problem facing your family today?” the top answer was healthcare costs. The cost of healthcare was the top concern for all groups when the results were divided into three income brackets, while other concerns varied with income levels. Overall, the most common responses were:
Healthcare costs: 19%
Lack of money/low wages : 15%
Cost of owning/renting home : 8%
Energy Costs/oil and gas prices :8%
Too much debt/not enough: 7%
money to pay debts
Karl Rove's New Job: Gravedigger
Karl Rove finally joins the growing list of Bush staffers to unexpectedly leave the White House. His stated reason for leaving is that he wishes to spend more time with his family. This possibility is too mundane, banal, and cliché for someone of Rove's character.
More cynical people believe that Karl Rove is retreating from the current Congressional hearings regarding the firing of US attorneys, the Valerie Plame scandal, and other charges. Bush can therefore avoid a constitutional showdown with Congress about executive privilege, and if Rove is found guilty of any wrongdoing Bush may pardon Rove, as he did with Libby. This possibility is too far-fetched, even for the Bush administration.
The optimistic believe that Rove is retiring from political life because of his massive failure with the 2006 Congressional election. Rove had stated that the GOP would retain majorities in both houses of Congress, and he was the architect behind many of the failed Republican reelection campaigns. This possibility is unlikely because it would mean that Rove would be admitting his own fallibility.
The skeptical believe that Rove will reenter politics for the 2008 election, helping either the Republican presidential candidate or trying to swing Congress back to the GOP by focusing on a variation of his leaked 2008 targeted districts (A list that confirms much of DAPAC's own independent research on our 2008 targeted districts). This possibility is also unlikely because of Rove's humiliation in the 2006 election.
Many predict Rove is leaving to write his memoirs, casting himself as a favorable force in American politics amidst recent controversy. Rove has always been a student of American history and cares deeply about both his and President Bush's lasting place in American politics: their legacies. He will, no doubt, want to reshape their standings in posterity against the constant bashing they are receiving, and extraordinarily low approval ratings. However, his efforts will not be aimed at changing current public opinion but will be targeted at the future, when historians sort out what the Bush presidency's lasting effects were. This possibility for Rove's future is the most probable outcome.
My suggestion is that Karl Rove recruit former Attorney General Donald Rumsfeld and both of them should become gravediggers at American soldiers' funerals in order to come face to face with what their legacies meant to thousands of American families. This possibility would only happen if people were truly held accountable for their actions and forced to confront the consequences, or in other words, it's not going to happen.
More cynical people believe that Karl Rove is retreating from the current Congressional hearings regarding the firing of US attorneys, the Valerie Plame scandal, and other charges. Bush can therefore avoid a constitutional showdown with Congress about executive privilege, and if Rove is found guilty of any wrongdoing Bush may pardon Rove, as he did with Libby. This possibility is too far-fetched, even for the Bush administration.
The optimistic believe that Rove is retiring from political life because of his massive failure with the 2006 Congressional election. Rove had stated that the GOP would retain majorities in both houses of Congress, and he was the architect behind many of the failed Republican reelection campaigns. This possibility is unlikely because it would mean that Rove would be admitting his own fallibility.
The skeptical believe that Rove will reenter politics for the 2008 election, helping either the Republican presidential candidate or trying to swing Congress back to the GOP by focusing on a variation of his leaked 2008 targeted districts (A list that confirms much of DAPAC's own independent research on our 2008 targeted districts). This possibility is also unlikely because of Rove's humiliation in the 2006 election.
Many predict Rove is leaving to write his memoirs, casting himself as a favorable force in American politics amidst recent controversy. Rove has always been a student of American history and cares deeply about both his and President Bush's lasting place in American politics: their legacies. He will, no doubt, want to reshape their standings in posterity against the constant bashing they are receiving, and extraordinarily low approval ratings. However, his efforts will not be aimed at changing current public opinion but will be targeted at the future, when historians sort out what the Bush presidency's lasting effects were. This possibility for Rove's future is the most probable outcome.
My suggestion is that Karl Rove recruit former Attorney General Donald Rumsfeld and both of them should become gravediggers at American soldiers' funerals in order to come face to face with what their legacies meant to thousands of American families. This possibility would only happen if people were truly held accountable for their actions and forced to confront the consequences, or in other words, it's not going to happen.
Weekly Update (8/10/07)
Right-Wing Democrats Help Bush Pass Surveillance Bill
It is a huge disappointment to report that this week the so-called “Protect America Act” was passed into law. This bill will expand the National Security Agency's (NSA) ability to eavesdrop, without warrants, on phone calls and email with foreign parties. This bill is not even limited to individuals suspected of terrorism, and is clearly a threat to our civil liberties and the freedoms established by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. This act in effect legalizes the wiretapping that the NSA, under the Bush administration, had been questioned for doing.
The Democrats who capitulated to Bush and voted for this bill are a disgrace to their party. In all, 16 Democratic Senators and 41 Democrats in the House helped Bush pass this law. All of DAPAC's endorsed members of Congress voted against this act. When we help elect more progressive members of Congress in the future, dangerous bills like this will not become law, and American liberties will be protected.
Democrats and Republicans Debate
The Presidential race continues to be in full swing, with both parties engaging in debates this past week. The Democrats participated in a debate sponsored by the AFL-CIO in Chicago, where key issues included union loyalty, support of big business, and opinions on NAFTA. With all of the candidates touting their support for unions and labor, the AFL-CIO has put off endorsing any candidate for the time being.
Foreign policy was another major point of debate, especially in the wake of Senator Obama's remarks that he would consider sending American troops to Pakistan if the Pakistani government did not fight terrorists on its own.
Obama drew criticism from some of his fellow Democrats, but fired back by saying it was ironic that those criticizing him “helped authorize and engineer the biggest foreign policy disaster in our generation.” Obama's statements were also attacked during a Republican debate held on Sunday morning. Republicans also debated abortion, especially how loyal each has been to the anti-choice cause. Rudy Giuliani skirted the issue, but on his website waffles on choice, supporting restrictions, and avoids taking a strong stance by proclaiming he wants to lower the number of abortions. Giuliani also takes credit for lowering crime in New York when crime rates went down by the same proportion in cities across the country. Third, he touts his tough stance on terror, although on his watch the World Trade Center was attacked and destroyed a second time.
This Week's Polls:
Americans Want Bridges Fixed:
In a Gallup poll released Tuesday, Americans stated their views on the bridge disaster in Minneapolis. A majority (57%) feel that the event is an indication that the nation's transportation system has serious problems, while 37% view it as an isolated incident. To remedy the situation, 70% of those polled want Congress to spend more than $100 billion to repair the nation's bridges, while only 22% oppose such spending.
Voters Name Top Issues: In a New York Times/CBS News poll published this week, Americans ranked the issues that will be most important to them when they vote in the coming election. Of those that said they would vote in the Democratic primary or caucus, the three most important issues were Iraq, health care, and the economy/jobs. Of Republicans, the most important issues were terrorism/national security, immigration, and Iraq.
It is a huge disappointment to report that this week the so-called “Protect America Act” was passed into law. This bill will expand the National Security Agency's (NSA) ability to eavesdrop, without warrants, on phone calls and email with foreign parties. This bill is not even limited to individuals suspected of terrorism, and is clearly a threat to our civil liberties and the freedoms established by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. This act in effect legalizes the wiretapping that the NSA, under the Bush administration, had been questioned for doing.
The Democrats who capitulated to Bush and voted for this bill are a disgrace to their party. In all, 16 Democratic Senators and 41 Democrats in the House helped Bush pass this law. All of DAPAC's endorsed members of Congress voted against this act. When we help elect more progressive members of Congress in the future, dangerous bills like this will not become law, and American liberties will be protected.
Democrats and Republicans Debate
The Presidential race continues to be in full swing, with both parties engaging in debates this past week. The Democrats participated in a debate sponsored by the AFL-CIO in Chicago, where key issues included union loyalty, support of big business, and opinions on NAFTA. With all of the candidates touting their support for unions and labor, the AFL-CIO has put off endorsing any candidate for the time being.
Foreign policy was another major point of debate, especially in the wake of Senator Obama's remarks that he would consider sending American troops to Pakistan if the Pakistani government did not fight terrorists on its own.
Obama drew criticism from some of his fellow Democrats, but fired back by saying it was ironic that those criticizing him “helped authorize and engineer the biggest foreign policy disaster in our generation.” Obama's statements were also attacked during a Republican debate held on Sunday morning. Republicans also debated abortion, especially how loyal each has been to the anti-choice cause. Rudy Giuliani skirted the issue, but on his website waffles on choice, supporting restrictions, and avoids taking a strong stance by proclaiming he wants to lower the number of abortions. Giuliani also takes credit for lowering crime in New York when crime rates went down by the same proportion in cities across the country. Third, he touts his tough stance on terror, although on his watch the World Trade Center was attacked and destroyed a second time.
This Week's Polls:
Americans Want Bridges Fixed:
In a Gallup poll released Tuesday, Americans stated their views on the bridge disaster in Minneapolis. A majority (57%) feel that the event is an indication that the nation's transportation system has serious problems, while 37% view it as an isolated incident. To remedy the situation, 70% of those polled want Congress to spend more than $100 billion to repair the nation's bridges, while only 22% oppose such spending.
Voters Name Top Issues: In a New York Times/CBS News poll published this week, Americans ranked the issues that will be most important to them when they vote in the coming election. Of those that said they would vote in the Democratic primary or caucus, the three most important issues were Iraq, health care, and the economy/jobs. Of Republicans, the most important issues were terrorism/national security, immigration, and Iraq.
Protect America?
This weekend Congress approved, and Bush signed into law, S 1927, known as the Protect America Act. President Bush had urged Congress to pass this legislation. In an effort to appear tough on terrorism, and in the name of protecting America, Congress passed this Orwellian titled bill.
In fact, this new law does anything but protect America and Americans; it further erodes our civil liberties, giving police-state powers to the Executive branch and the Attorney General. The Protect America Act broadly expands the government's authority to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mail messages without issuing warrants. Consequently, this new law legalizes the controversial and secretive National Security Agency program that so many had called into question once it became public information, and grants even more power to embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
In the face of this development DAPAC can claim a small victory by stating that none of our endorsed members of Congress voted in favor of this legislation, while 9 of the newly elected Democratic freshmen supported it, clearly proving that DAPAC-endorsed candidates are far more progressive than the average Democrat.
If your representatives voted for this legislation let them know how upset you are about it. Check by clicking here. These cowardly Democrats who supported this anti-freedom bill must be held accountable for their actions.
In fact, this new law does anything but protect America and Americans; it further erodes our civil liberties, giving police-state powers to the Executive branch and the Attorney General. The Protect America Act broadly expands the government's authority to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mail messages without issuing warrants. Consequently, this new law legalizes the controversial and secretive National Security Agency program that so many had called into question once it became public information, and grants even more power to embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
In the face of this development DAPAC can claim a small victory by stating that none of our endorsed members of Congress voted in favor of this legislation, while 9 of the newly elected Democratic freshmen supported it, clearly proving that DAPAC-endorsed candidates are far more progressive than the average Democrat.
If your representatives voted for this legislation let them know how upset you are about it. Check by clicking here. These cowardly Democrats who supported this anti-freedom bill must be held accountable for their actions.
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